Bears and Old Lace

Twilight Market Tonight....

2012-02-24T08:59:00.000+10:00

Have just finished these journals that I'm taking to the Twilight Market in King George Square tonight.
Just praying for the rain to go away!! It will still be on even if it rains but they may move us inside above the Groove Train. Hope to see you there! It's going to be handmade heaven! Hope tonight we get to check out the other stalls.

Have a lovely weekend!

Don't You Just Love This Old Pram?

2012-02-20T11:21:00.000+10:00

Look at this lovely old pram I scored off my friend Tina! She was going to sell it at the bear show but it never quite made it there! Lol! It's old & rickety but I just love it! Can't wait to use it for a prop at shows etc.

Have a lovely week!

Gorgeous Flowers for Valentines Day

2012-02-14T08:45:00.000+10:00

What a surprise when there was a knock on the door early this morning & I received this beautiful bouquet from my husband!! The very talented Michelle Casey from Mary Casey Florist created this bouquet. I used to work there once upon a time when I was a florist. I miss those days of teamwork & the laughs we used to have!

Anyway Happy Valentines Day everyone & a big warm welcome to my new followers xx

Some of the things I'm working on today....

2012-02-10T15:26:00.000+10:00

I'm finally finishing off these bears & ellie. I love the guipure lace heart on the old blanket bear. Still may have to grubby her a bit more. Miss Ellie just needs sweet little dress & the other bear is presently hanging out to dry after another spray of parisian.

I have my first bear show of the year on at Lawnton Showground on 19th February so am busy sorting & packing for that.

I was all inspired by Dawn's post on her Feathered Nest blogspot of the vintage baby shoe pincushions she was creating so here's what I created yesterday.
Such fun!

Have a lovely weekend!

Joolz

Adorable Ceramic Elephants

2012-02-04T09:28:00.000+10:00

I just had to show you these gorgeous li'l elephants I picked up at a garage sale this morning. The tag on one of them says Dumbo, Disney, Sydney. The lady I purchased them from said they were quite old, maybe 50's??? I think they'll have to be keepers!

Have a lovely weekend wherever you may be. Beautiful sunshine here in Brisbane, we can do with it after all the rain we have had!

Home Sweet Home

2012-01-30T16:22:00.000+10:00

We arrived home from New Zealand on Friday night. It was such a fantastic trip & I got to enjoy all 3 grandchildren in one country! I managed to sneak in an Antique fair & the odd op shop as well as a garage sale where I scored a gorgeous old art deco wall mirror. I packed the mirror in my hand luggage so I could carry it safely home but I hit a bump in the road when I was pushing the luggage trolley at the airport & sent all my bags flying, thank goodness for bubble wrap as it stayed in one piece!!

Today I've been working on this little guy. I've recycled an old blanket to make him. I'm just waiting for the rain to stop so I can spray him with parisian & age him up a bit. I've used some old boot buttons I found in amongst my buttons for his eyes. Will post another pic when I've finished him. I'm trying to make myself finish a project before I start another one but somehow it hasn't quite worked!

It's That Time Of The Year Again.....

2012-01-17T13:48:00.000+10:00

My bags are packed & in the morning I head off for Nelson, my home town in New Zealand. This time my daughter & baby grandson are coming with me! For the first time I will have all 3 grandchildren together! Two baby boys & a beautiful grand-daughter who will be turning 4 while we are there!

I'm also planning to fit in a visit to an Antiques Fair, (and a few op-shops). After I ditch all the pressies there should be plenty of room in my suitcase for some new treasures!! The hatbox pictured I scored on my last trip home & the old bear is my very own from my childhood. Sadly he has no eyes & his growler doesn't work. He has glow in the dark paw pads though! Hmm not sure if they still glow!

See you all in 10 days!

New Journal Cover

2012-01-06T07:37:00.002+10:00

Finally I have finished a project!! I seem to have lots of things started so to actually finish one is a good feeling! I love these Paris digitals, this one is the Eiffel Tower. I have started with a calico backing then added a vintage lace & stitched on the digital print & then embellished it with lovely old laces, buttons & a sweet little key. This one is for sale in my Etsy store.

This is the latest bear I'm making. I'd been stuffing him with wood wool so he was out in the sun to dry. I have coloured his head with parisian essence so now his body has some catching up (as well as some stuffing). Hope to finish him off today!

Hope you're all having a great week!

Happy New Year Friends!

2012-01-01T08:58:00.000+10:00

Wow what a year! I was blessed with two baby boy grandsons! Got to travel overseas! Joined BrisStyle Etsy team here in Brisbane & participated in 2 of their markets with my good friend Pam. Shared stalls with Lisa at Bear Shows! Phew it was rather full on! This year I will fine tune how many shows etc that I will do. Hopefully I can prepare at a better pace this year & not do the last minute thing!

The top pic is a photo I took inside a lovely little bakery I visited when we went to the Brooklyn market in November. It was just gorgeous with lovely old cupboards & kitchenalia decorating it.

Hope you all have a lovely New Year!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T21:52:00.000+10:00

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas and enjoy your day with your loved ones. I'm looking forward to having a bit of down time & who knows I might even get some new bears made!

Joolz x

BrisStyle Christmas Market Rocked

2011-12-17T20:11:00.000+10:00

Wow what a market last night! Pam & I shared a stall in the co-op tent & what a great time we had!!! So many people came to shop, in fact we couldn't believe how many! It was such a lovely atmosphere in King George Square, the Christmas tree was all lit up & there was live entertainment playing most of the night. We were so busy that we didn't even get time to shop at the other stalls.

This is Pam (Nest in the Attic) in her Christmas attire. Some of our bears and critters found new homes. In fact it was a bit sad to say goodbye to my little chocolate brown pug dog but the new owner loved her just as much as I did so that's ok!

Hope you're all having a great stress free weekend. I'm off to do a bit of Christmas shopping tomorrow.

Photos From BrisStyle Market

2011-12-14T19:12:00.000+10:00

Pam (Nest in the Attic) & I attended the BrisStyle Indie Market last Saturday & what fun we had! It was so wet when we arrived & we didn't fancy setting up a gazebo in the rain so when Christine from BonTons Gifts kindly offered us half her stall space in the hall we jumped at it. Thank you Christine!!

It was our first time at a BrisStyle market. It was lovely to meet all the other marketeers & customers. Now we are about to do it all again this Friday night at the Twilight Market in King George Square in the city.

The above stall was Alisa's from Ties & Whimsy. I just loved her stall & all the great creations she's made from ties. I especially loved her use of the old ladders, frames & vintage suitcases (some of my favourite items).

The above pic is me with some of our creations. Hope to see you Friday night if you're in the city.

BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market this week

2011-12-13T08:56:00.000+10:00

"Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything Handmade under the stars"

'The BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets in the heart of Brisbane's King George Square offer a unique home-grown experience like no other event of its kind in Australia this Christmas. This Friday night market will combine the laid-back attitude of south-east Queensland with the buzz of Brisbane's CBD to create a lantern lit celebration of local independent art, craft and design around the King George Square's statuesque Christmas Tree.
Meander through the stalls of over 100 emerging and established local artisans who specialise in producing soulful and stylish handmade wares with a unique Queensland twist. With a café, restaurant and bar onsite along with the sounds of Brisbane's best jazz musicians will provide the perfect festive soundtrack to a Christmas shopping night like you've never experienced!
So support the local Queensland community and shop ethically this Christmas at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything handmade under the stars.'
Alternate Location in Wet Weather: As with all our Twilight Markets if the weather is a little on the crazy side then look for us up on the large undercover Deck located above The Groove Train in King George Square. Do check our facebook page after midday on the day to check if things have changed and where you can find us.

Home Again!

2011-12-09T05:53:00.000+10:00

We arrived home from the USA last Saturday after the most awesome trip!! My husband got to catch up with friends he made 27 years ago on a former trip & I got to make beautiful new friends with them all!
This photo is a basket Sheila had put together out the front of her home in Cleveland Tennessee for Thanksgiving. We were blessed to have Thanksgiving with her family & what great cooks her sons are!! I'm sure I've put on weight!!

It was scarey in the traffic on the wrong side of the road! I was a terrible passenger & should really have been blind-folded instead of trying to help my husband. (I even thought I could help the GPS but my husband didn't appreciate having 2 women telling him what to do)!! I was right on a few occasions though!

I got to visit the Brooklyn Market as well as a few others! Loved the Antique Malls down in Nashville, just wished I had had more time there!

Am now saving for the next trip as there are so many other wonderful places I would love to explore.

Have had to come home & hit the ground running as Pam & I are having our first market stall at BrisStyle Market tomorrow & of course there's so many ufo's I've had to finish off as well as making some new items. Just praying the rain stays away!!

Have a lovely weekend!

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market

2011-12-05T09:56:00.000+10:00

"Tie on your tinsel and get ready for a Christmas shopping experience like no other, as the BrisStyle Indie Designer Markets return to the heart of Hamilton for yet another beautifully eclectic handmade event.

Featuring local emerging and established artists, crafters and designers from Queensland's South East who specialise in producing quality handmade goods including handbags, sweet art, jewellery, children's wear and vintage re-creations.

Think quality, gorgeous, soulful and original creations that give lovers of locally handmade wares the chance to support their local community.

Set in the sweet retro hall and gorgeous leafy grounds of St Augustine's Church on Racecourse Road, Hamilton on Saturday December 10, this boutique event promises to provide the perfect environment for all your handmade Christmas shopping needs.

The Christmas BrisStyle Indie Designers Market gives you the chance to see first-hand why these Markets are renowned for being Brisbane's HOTtest destination for handmade."

What: The Christmas BrisStyle Indie Designers Market
When: Saturday December 10th, 2011. 9am-4pm.
Where: St Augustine's Church Hall and grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Off To The Big Apple

2011-11-18T20:53:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow my husband & I are jetting off to New York for 4 nights. We will then fly to Atlanta & then drive to Tennessee for 3 nights. We will be there for Thanksgiving & will spend it with my husband's penfriend, Sheila, whom he met 27 years ago at a church conference. After that it's on to other friends in Alabama & then 2 nights in Nashville & then back to New York for a night before flying home.

I'm looking forward to exploring the markets & vintage shops & of course all the other attractions on offer.
I think the highlight though will be making new friends & experiencing life in their homes especially Thanksgiving.

My First Panda

2011-11-12T19:30:00.000+10:00

Finally finished this little guy! I made him out of dyed viscose & dark brown viscose from a vintage jacket. He has button joints & wears an old vintage key around his neck. He'll be at the Summbertime Doll & Bear Show tomorrow with me.

Last Bear Show This Sunday

2011-11-11T17:06:00.000+10:00

This coming Sunday is the last doll & bear show of the year (phew)! It's on at the RNA Showground in the auditorium from 10 - 4pm. I've been hard at work finishing things off & sorting out lots of vintage goodies.

Hope to see you there otherwise have a great weekend!

Latest Op Shop Find

2011-11-09T19:10:00.000+10:00

Today I was pleased to find this little set of drawers at one of the local op-shops. I had no intention of buying drawers but I just couldn't resist. They have old fabric on the front of the drawers & gorgeous little handles. Actually they'll be great storage for some of my laces.

Guess who got to babysit last night! He was so good & basically slept the whole time.

Collectorama Is On Again This Saturday!

2011-11-03T18:34:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow Pam & I are heading off to Nambour to set up our stall for Saturday. It's at the Showgrounds from 7.30 - 2.00pm. The weather is looking good so hopefully it will be a great day!

I just love all these old cookie cutters & wee tart tins I picked up from a garage sale last weekend. I also found the chair & this vintage basket as well.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Lovely Laces & Other Goodies

2011-10-24T17:51:00.000+10:00

These are some of the lovely goodies I picked up this weekend at a local garage sale. The laces included some lovely antique pieces. There were 4 containers of buttons & sewing notions. Divine doileys, including some lovely bluebird ones. I think the lady owner was going to an aged care home so her daughter said she would love it that her precious laces etc were going to a good home!

Vintage Union Jack Flags/Bunting

2011-10-21T16:18:00.000+10:00

I was watching TV on Wednesday morning and they were featuring a program on the Queen's visit to Australia. One lady was putting an English flag up on a ceiling which looked really good. I thought to myself that I wouldn't mind an English flag, so imagine my surprise when a couple of hours later I was at an op-shop & guess what I found....about seven metres of vintage flags. I feel some bags, cushions & maybe even bunting happening soon!

Recycled Burlap Coffee Sack

2011-10-18T19:21:00.000+10:00

I went to a garage sale on Saturday & found a lovely old coffee sack. When I asked how much it was the man gave it to me! I came home & washed it & then today from the lining of the sack I made this shopping tote. I added calico ruffles & bow.

I was inspired by a bag made by Andrea Tarling in Haute Handbags. I'm surprised by just how soft this bag is (not at all scratchy like some hessian (burlap) can be). I now have to come up with some bags to make with the rest of it.

Hope you're having a lovely week.

Vintage Lace Bag

2011-10-16T11:38:00.000+10:00

While I haven't done a lot in the bear making department in the last week I have been busy churning out a few bags (have a bit of an addiction going on I think)! I have just listed this one in my etsy shop (a new venture for me). I made it from lots of my lovely laces, doileys, supper cloths, clothing, wedding dresses etc.
A big welcome to my new followers! I hope you're all having a lovely weekend wherever in the world you are. Such a gorgeous day here in Brisbane. Not at all like the storms we had yesterday.

Show & Tell At Bear Class

2011-10-12T20:40:00.000+10:00

Ok so I'm sure I had the best show & tell at bear class today! Shiloh is 6 days old today. I must admit since he's been born my bear making has come to a bit of a halt. Top pic are the ladies busy making bears, dogs & an elephant, Sue (teacher) is nursing Shiloh. Bottom pic is Lisa & Shiloh, see her lovely bear in the background, she was busy felting it's paw when I arrived.

Hope you all have a great week.

It's A Boy!!

2011-10-07T07:11:00.000+10:00

Meet Shiloh, my new grandson, arrived at 9pm last night! Baby & Mum doing well! Even though he was two weeks early he was 8lb 4oz. He has lots of hair, long feet (blame his Dad for them) & a good appetite! Can't wait to see him again today!

Have a great weekend!

Off to make a

Lace Style Journal Cover

2011-10-05T20:40:00.000+10:00

I've been having fun this week making goodies for my Etsy Shop that I have just opened. Here's a pic of a journal cover I've made from some of the old laces in my stash. I've styled the lace around a graphic of the Eiffel Tower. I probably started this project a year ago so it's great to finally finish it!

Lace & Old Ticking & A Trip To Maleny

2011-10-03T07:29:00.000+10:00

On Friday Jo (sil) & I drove up to Maleny for a bit of R&R. It was such a beautiful spring day, everything was so lush & green, & reminded us of home (New Zealand).We stopped at this lovely Celtic Coffee House to refuel & then travelled on up the road to Maleny. Of course we had to visit the local op-shops! I found a basket with all these tiny bags of lace & braid. I spent a grand total of 0.85 cents & scored all this lovely stuff!

After being sick for nearly 3 weeks I decided to do a few garage sales on Saturday morning (I was having withdrawals) & was lucky enough to find this lovely old vintage ticking! After a good wash it looked a lot better! I also scored an old wooden ironing board & some lovely old plates.

Hope you all have a lovely week!

My New Critter....

2011-09-24T16:22:00.000+10:00

Well actually it's a giraffe. I've just painted the last of his spots & now he's ready to go to the Ipswich Doll & Bear Fair tomorrow. Last weeks show was a bit slow so here's hoping this one will be a bit more lively.

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

Off To The Bear Show On Sunday In Brisbane....

2011-09-16T17:26:00.000+10:00

It's on at the Holiday Inn on Roma Street from 10am - 4pm. These are some of the bears & critters I'm taking. It's hard work getting them all dressed & finished off especially as I've been battling a cold for the last couple of days. Then to top it all off my son rang this morning to ask if he can move back home this afternoon. (He's been gone 3 years). Just hope my daughter doesn't go into labour this weekend, that would really throw a spanner in the works!! She's actually due on the 29th.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

I'm In Love....

2011-09-12T11:50:00.000+10:00

With my very first little dog! I've named her Lucy after our very special dog who is no longer with us.
I've made her out of dark brown viscose & then dressed her in a little spotted dress, knitted cardy & topped it off with a vintage RSPCA badge. I love those big soulful dark eyes!

She's coming with me to the Brisbane Bear Show, on this Sunday at the Holiday Inn.

If you want to make her yourself, she is from the Noble pattern range.

A big hello to all my latest followers. I hope you all have a great week!

Collectorama this Saturday, Nambour Showgrounds

2011-09-02T08:10:00.000+10:00

It's on again this Saturday from 7.15 - 2pm, rain or shine. Lots of Collectables & interesting stuff.

Vintage toys, clothes, lace, china, glassware etc.

The lovely Pam & I are sharing a stall so come & say hi.

Two New Lace Bear Dresses

2011-08-30T18:04:00.000+10:00

These are my two latest little patchwork bear dresses, (bears not mine). I've crafted these from all sorts of vintage & antique laces, some from wedding dresses, doilies etc. I'm really pleased with the pink colour as originally it was bright pink but a quick dunk in parisian turned it into a lovely old pinky colour.

The girls are an order for a lovely lady who has ordered them for presents for her family, trouble is she keeps falling in love with all the bears & then finds it hard to part with them. (I bet she keeps the pink one)!

Have a great week.

Old Buttons

2011-08-28T12:11:00.000+10:00

Don't you just love old buttons! I was lucky enough to find this old tin yesterday at a garage sale. It was hiding away in the bottom of a box. I find it really exciting coming home & checking out what treasures there are, sort of like going through Nana's old buttons.

There were a few interesting ones in the tin, especially the larger one. It measures 6.5 cm & has like a mother of pearl shell inlay. Sort of looks art deco'ish to me. Any ideas?? I'll have to check my button book for this one.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend. It's stopped raining here & has turned out to be a lovely sunny day!

Zebra??

2011-08-26T17:02:00.000+10:00

Ok here he is, nearly finished! Once he got his mane on he looked more like a Zebra!

Thanks Rosemary from Bears for helping me with his ears. It really is great being in a class where everyone is willing to help & offer new ideas!

Have a great weekend wherever in the world you are! It's supposed to be wet all weekend here in Brisbane.

Zebra???

2011-08-23T19:23:00.000+10:00

Ok so I found this lovely piece of striped viscose at the last show for a real bargain. I dreamt of a cute little Zebra emerging from the fabric. Not so, I reckon it's looking like an alpaca or even a foxy dog. I'll take it to my bear class tomorrow & see if I can get help to fix it. (Do you even get black & white striped dogs)?

And Then There Were More....

2011-08-16T17:20:00.000+10:00

Ok so I haven't done a post for awhile! I'm finding it hard to get any critters finished but today I did it! Well not really, they still need to be aged & dressed. I usually have about 8 bears on the go at any one time, so then it's a big effort to finish them!

There's a bear show in Brisbane next month so I really need to finish this lot!

Hope you're all having a great week!

Bear Class At Old Petrie Town

2011-08-03T19:10:00.000+10:00

Today we switched venues for our bear making class & had it at Laura's gorgeous shop at Old Petrie Town. It was probably more like high tea but hey we didn't mind! Lots of lovely goodies to look at as well! Thanks Laura!

Vintage Hatbox & Pretty In Pink Bear

2011-08-02T12:26:00.000+10:00

I love this sweet little bear I made for the last show. I used pale pink viscose & then dirtied her paws & feet with a pen. I have her sitting in a vintage tulle hat that I picked up at a car boot sale on my recent trip to NZ.

I'm also loving the old brown hatbox I found! It's a bit smaller than the usual ones that I've found so it'll be perfect as a prop at the next show in September.

Have a great week, I'm off to sit in the sun for a bit and stuff a couple of heads. It's a beautiful 24 degrees here today in sunny Brisbane.

I'm Home!

2011-07-29T14:00:00.000+10:00

My holiday was fantastic! Blake is just the cutest baby (I know I'm biased)! Kiera his 3 1/2 year old sister is also just the cutest. Here's a few pics of us playing in the snow up at St Arnaud Lake, we were also lucky enough to be there when it was snowing!

Will try & do a post later of some of the goodies I found while I was over there.

Have a great weekend!

Bags Are Packed & I'm Ready To Go....

2011-07-15T14:36:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow I leave Brisbane & head to New Zealand to meet my new grandson, Blake. I have all the woollies packed as I'm hearing it's pretty cold there at the moment.

Earlier this week I celebrated my birthday with Linda & Lyn, friends from Old Petrie Town. Here's a few pics of our Xmas in July party.

Happy Birthday Girls!

Calico & Vintage Lace Bags

2011-07-06T21:12:00.000+10:00

I've been having fun the past couple of weeks making bags. I've used calico and embellished them with antique & vintage laces as well as Paris graphics. They're fully lined & I've used doileys for the inside pockets.

Have a fantastic week!

PS The baby's name is Blake Greyson and it's only 9 days till I visit them all in New Zealand.

My New Grandson...

2011-07-01T09:13:00.000+10:00

This is my grandson, born this morning. Isn't he lovely! I have to wait another 2 weeks before I get to have cuddles though as he is in New Zealand & I'm here in Australia. He weighed in at 9lb 2oz. As yet he doesn't have a name.

Latest Wabbit - Lucy

2011-06-16T14:11:00.000+10:00

Meet Lucy, she's my latest li'l girl wabbit. She's crafted from a cream felted type mohair. For her paws, feet & inside ears I've used a spotted cotton fabric & made a wee dress to match. She'll be at Winter Wonderland with me this coming weekend in Brisbane.

Hope to see you there!

Two New Bears Off To Winter Wonderland

2011-06-14T13:01:00.000+10:00

Winter Wonderland Doll, Bear & Collectable Show is on this coming weekend at the RNA Showgrounds in The Auditorium on Gregory Tce, Brisbane. It's on Saturday & Sunday from 9.30am.

I've been outside with a bottle of parisian trying to grunge up these two bears. The large one is crafted from a hessian type old blanket & the smaller one is from viscose. She was a lovely pale pink colour but not anymore after being hit with the parisian. I'll show you the finished bears in a day or so.

Have a lovely afternoon!

Divine Antique Laces & Other Goodies From Collectorama...

2011-06-06T14:09:00.000+10:00

These are some of the gorgeous laces & dolls clothes I bought at Collectorama on Friday & Saturday.
I must admit I did get rather carried away with the laces but with it being so hard to find antique & vintage lace I thought I'd better snaffle them up! I can't wait to try the wee dolls dresses on my little bears & ellies. I love the little blue dress & the wee pixie hat that goes with it!

Pam (Cloth & Creation) came to help me set up on Friday (thank you Pam, you made my job so much easier & it's always fun to have you along)! We had great time scouting around & finding all the goodies. Looking forward to the next one in September now!

My Li'l Pink Bear

2011-05-27T16:44:00.000+10:00

This is the little pink bear I was working on when I did my last post. She's made from pale pink viscose. I'd like to make her a little bit grungier though. I might attack her with some parisian essence for a grubbier look. It's always a bit scarey staining. Maybe I should have stained her fur first. Oh well I'm sure she'll turn out ok, I do love her anyway!

Have a lovely weekend wherever in the world you may be!

My Latest Thrifty Finds ...

2011-05-24T15:24:00.000+10:00

Oh dear it has been a long time between posts! Because I haven't actually finished a bear or critter in awhile I thought I'd show you some of my latest goodies!

The old green chippy milking stool I found at a local garage sale on the weekend. The gorgeous old hanky box (complete with hankies) I bought off a friend at Petrie Markets. I love the floral scene on the front of the box. The two vintage purses were from another sale, as was the lovely old lolly jar. I love the two old watches, one has a lovely mother of pearl face and the other is marquisite.

Ok now I'm off to work on a little pink bear. Have a lovely week!

New Ellie

2011-04-18T17:06:00.000+10:00

This is my latest li'l Ellie. She's a bit different from my usual mohair Ellies. I've crafted her from a piece of woollen fabric my friend Pam (Cloth to Creation) generously gave me. I'm taking her to NZ tomorrow night as a pressie for my 3 year old grand-daughter. Hope she likes her!

Some Of The Vintage Goodies From The Show Last Weekend

2011-04-09T16:00:00.000+10:00

Well these are just a few of the pieces of treasure that I brought home from the show last weekend. I just love the little black Mary Jane shoes. They're Italian made and are well over 30 years old. Then there's a tiny tin teaset. Some lovely old postcards. Lastly a gorgeous piece of antique lace & some vintage blue lace. Oh and a tiny porcelain doll, she cost me a whopping $2. There is more to come but I'm in a bit of a rush to pack the car as I'm heading off to Petrie Market tomorrow.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Some Pics From The Show

2011-04-05T13:52:00.000+10:00

On Sunday Lisa, from Olive Grove Primitives & myself set off for the Ipswich Doll & Bear Show. We shared a table so you can see Lisa's lovely Annies & bears on the left & my critters on the right. It was great catching up with all the other stallholders & meeting new people.

I spent all my profits on the day, finding all sorts of lovely treasures. Will put up pictures of them later!

Hope you're all having a lovely week!

We're Off To The Ipswich Doll & Bear Fair...

2011-03-30T14:55:00.000+10:00

Finally the Ipswich Gala Doll Fair is on this Sunday and these are some of the little critters I'll be taking with me. It's on at the Ipswich Civic Centre on the corner of Limestone & Nicholas Streets. It starts at 9am & runs to 3pm.

Hope to see you there!

Old Bear, Upcycled from Vintage Blanket

2011-03-22T19:49:00.000+10:00

Meet Toby, he's my old looking bear that I've crafted from an old woollen blanket. I've coloured him with parisian essence & then dirtied him up a bit. (He doesn't look as old as I would like him to look though, might have to do a bit more grunging! I have fibre coming out of holes in his feet, which I have then darned over. He's wearing an old vintage watch that I found in some of my Mum's stuff.

He will be coming with me to the Ipswich Gala Doll Fair on 3 April.

Flea Market Find & A Wee Bear

2011-03-14T18:16:00.000+10:00

I found these divine little vintage scales at the local flea market yesterday. They only measure 5" in height. I sat this tiny wee bear in an old jelly mold & perched it on top. So sweet!

I'll be attending the Ipswich Doll & Bear Fair on Sunday 3 April with some of my latest creations.

Have an awesome week!

Old Linens, Lace & Other Vintage Finds....

2011-03-09T17:19:00.000+10:00

These are some of the antique linen tablecloths I managed to find at Collectorama on Saturday. Some have stains & the odd hole but I just love them & can't wait to make some lovely items from them.

These are other lovely vintage laces as well as the little gingham dolls dress. I do love the little old keys, they're going to look great on my bears. It was such a great day out even if it did rain, now I can't wait for the next one in June!

Two New Ellies

2011-03-01T16:45:00.000+10:00

Meet Libby & Phoebe my latest two li'l elephants.

They're made from a felted type of mohair.

. I sponged them with coffee but in this pic they don't look quite as grungy as they are. Might go back & dirty them up a bit more. I do like the old vintage style look!

Hope you're all having a great week so far!

Today's Flea Market Finds

2011-02-27T14:22:00.000+10:00

Oops today I slept in! Was meant to get up at 5.30am but instead slept in until 8am (was trying to beat the heat here in Queensland). Never mind I still managed to find a few treasures....

I love the little tins, one still has curry powder inside. I also bought an old street directory as well as these old English text books from the 1950's.

I have a few ideas of what I'm going to use them for now I just need to find the time!

China Pretties From Todays Yard Sale

2011-02-25T15:50:00.000+10:00

These are some of the pretties that I found at a local yard sale today. One of the cups & saucers is the same as one I had as a child. I think they came with an Easter Egg in them. I love the silver teaspoons & sugar tongs. There was also some mother of pearl pate knives & a wee fork.

I'm going to be selling at Collectorama at Nambour next Saturday so some of these will be going as I don't have the room to keep it all. Besides I need to make some money for our next trip!

Having a Ball in Hoi An!

2011-02-18T17:53:00.000+10:00

After spending 8 days in Indonesia my husband & I flew to Hanoi. Unfortunately I didn't realise it was still winter there & we arrived in summer gear! Had to quickly buy long pants, jacket & scarf. We travelled out to Halong Bay on Wednesday which was totally wonderful. Was really saddened to hear the news yesterday though of a boat that had sunk & 12 people drowned. Not a lot of safety requirements over here!

We travelled here to Hoi An yesterday & have been having a lovely time exploring the town. Of course shopping up a storm is all part of the deal! Hoi An has a lovely old world rustic charm to it & is especially pretty when it's all lit up at night.

Sorry I can't add photos at this time as I'm just on a computer at the hotel.

Ok hope you are all doing well. We will be back home next Tuesday morning & I'm looking forward to catching up on all my blog reading!

Julie x

Finally I've Finished Them........Another Wabbit & A Li'l Elephant

2011-01-26T16:26:00.000+10:00

Happy Australia Day!

These are my latest creations, sooo cute! I might have to do something with Miss Ellie's ear though cos she looks like she's about to take off! They're both made from mohair which I've grubbied up to give them a bit of an aged look.

(Jan could you please contact me so we can finalise the Auction. If I don't hear from you by Friday I will have to award the Auction win to the next highest bidder, thank you).

Elephant Auction Ends Soon.....

2011-01-24T06:33:00.000+10:00

Only 2 1/2 hours to go so if you haven't bid yet there's not much time left. Auction ends at 9am this morning.

Thanks to everyone for taking part.

PS Don't forget whoever wins to send me your email address.

Premier's Flood Appeal... Li'l Elephant Auction

2011-01-19T15:55:00.000+10:00

Isn't it wonderful 240 bloggers have so far raised about $45,000 towards the appeal.

This little elephant is up for auction on my previous post.

The Big Wet In Queensland

2011-01-17T08:40:00.000+10:00

Well thankfully we were high and dry here in Upper Caboolture. Other parts of Caboolture weren't so lucky and were isolated. Some businesses were flooded in the lower lying areas. My husband had to spend a night at a friend's house as the train he was on was turned back with safety concerns over the bridges it had to cross. (I think runaway boats had hit the bridge).

My heart goes out to all the other people who lost loved ones and their homes. It has been like watching a horror movie roll out before our very eyes.

It has been heartwarming to hear of the wonderful people rallying to help those that have lost everything, so to do my little bit to raise some funds for the Premier's Appeal I have decided to auction off this sweet little elephant.

I have handmade her from mohair and I have used vintage fabric for paw pads and ears. I have grubbied her for a bit of an aged look, and she is a collectable item only and not a child's toy. Sitting she measures 18cm. She is five-way jointed and has a wobbly neck.

How my auction works:

1. Bidding will start at $20 (Australian).
2. You can place a bid by leaving a comment on this blog post with your bid amount and email address. Please make sure that your bid is higher than the previous bidder.
3. Your bid must be in whole dollar increments.
4. This auction is open to everyone. Postage will be $5 for Australian residents and $10 for overseas buyers.
5. The auction begins NOW and will END at 9am on Monday 24th January 2011.
6. At the close of the auction, I will contact the winner (please make sure your bid comment includes your email address). The winner will pay the winning amount directly into the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and send me proof of payment via email. Once proof of payment has been received, I will post your little elephant to you.
7. Thanks so much for taking part. Best of luck and happy bidding!

Pics of Blocks & Wee Ellie

2011-01-09T14:12:00.000+10:00

These are two of the blocks I finished off yesterday. They're just the right size for Little Miss Ellie to sit on!

Finishing All Those UFO's (not) & Other Stuff ....

2011-01-07T17:19:00.000+10:00

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope you all had a great holiday!

It's still wet here in Brisbane so I've been busy cutting out more bears & elephants as well as making covered wooden blocks. I'm using up some of my lovely papers I have collected over the past year. I should actually be finishing off stuff but I can't help myself & have started so many new projects!

Sorry there's no piccy's as I tripped over the cord to my laptop & ripped the wires out (I'm using my hubby's computer but I can't load photos).

Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are.

What To Do In Queensland On Another Wet Day......

2010-12-28T11:53:00.000+10:00

The three of us, Pam from Cloth to Creation, Laura from Billie Angel & myself decided to have a workshop at Pam's studio & create miniature birdcages from wire & other found objects. We actually managed to finish at least one each! Pam's hubby kept up a supply of freshly brewed coffee so what more could we want on what otherwise would have been just another wet day.

My Latest Li'l Friends

2010-12-24T19:46:00.000+10:00

These are my latest creations. The little linen elephant on the right is a Xmas pressie for a friend. I'm really pleased with how the wee mohair elephant turned out & am now in the process of sewing up a little girl one!

Hope you all have a wonderful Xmas & New Year.

Deer Li'l Salt & Pepper Shakers

2010-12-21T17:03:00.000+10:00

Don't you just love these little guys. I found them at a market in New Zealand on my recent trip home. They are vintage salt & pepper shakers complete with holly for Christmas!

Bride in Gumboots!

2010-12-09T15:26:00.001+10:00

On Sunday my stepson Adam married Sarah. Well it was sooo wet up at Maleny, (SE Queensland Hinterland), that Sarah the lovely bride had to wear some really cool polka dot gummies!

Here's Adam with a pair of rather muddy high heels on the end of his umbrella!

Here's Sarah again hitching up a very muddy train! It may have been wet but it was such a lovely wedding! Congratulations to you both! They are now honeymooning somewhere in Tasmania!

New Zealand Trip

2010-12-09T07:37:00.000+10:00

Phew what a busy last two weeks. A trip to NZ for my lovely Mum's 80th & my stepson's wedding on Sunday.

This is my Mum (on the left). After her party my brother organised a helicopter to come & pick her & two friends up for a ride. What a wonderful surprise it was!

Op Shop Finds - Sweet Tablecloths

2010-11-23T06:59:00.000+10:00

Oh my gosh I was lucky enough to find seven beautiful hand embroidered tablecloths yesterday. Thought you might like a peek ....

I just love the one with bluebirds & grub roses. One is yet to be finished, maybe I'll have to learn embroiderey at some time!

Have an awesome week!

New Bears

2010-11-18T16:07:00.000+10:00

These are my latest creations. The larger bear is made from some old velveteen I picked up at a Bear Show. I've got fibres coming out of holes in his feet which I have then darned over. I've tried to give him a bit of a saggy look. The smaller bear is a Sasha Pokrass design & I've made him out of mohair. Am yet to rough him up to look old & battered!

Brisbane Bear Show

2010-11-16T12:59:00.000+10:00

On Sunday I attended the Doll & Bear Show in Brisbane. This is my li'l mohair bear I made, wearing a dress I crafted from lots of vintage & antique laces. Anyway I'm pleased to say I won the people's choice award.

My very good friend Pam from Cloth to Creation blogspot came with me so it was a much more enjoyable time having someone to share it with & she was such a help. We also had fun searching out lovely old laces!

Xmas Stocking Swap

2010-11-04T16:03:00.000+10:00

Yay my lovely Xmas Stocking arrived in the mail today. The very talented Anita from http://anitameade.typepad.com/ created this for me along with a handcrafted card, gorgeous hand-stamped gift tags & some very yummy choccies that didn't make it to the photo shoot!

Thanks Anita. I really love it!

Home Sweet Home!!

2010-10-30T22:39:00.000+10:00

Well since I last posted (which has been awhile), I have spent nearly 2 weeks in Vietnam, travelling from Saigon up to Hanoi. Myself & my three lovely friends Jo, Di & Desrae head off somewhere different each year & this year we chose Vietnam & had such a great time with lots of adventures along the way.

This photo was taken on the way to Halong Bay. Unfortunately the rice husks were being burnt so it was rather smoky & hazey the day we went. Nevertheless we still had an awesome time. We got to kayak along the way as well as visit some amazing caves & eat lots of yummy food!

Now all we have to do is decide where to go next year!

Woo Hoo Off to Indonesia Tonight

2010-09-14T15:28:00.000+10:00

Wow we're finally off again. Back to Bandung which is two hours from Jakarta (longer if we get caught in traffic jams)! We were there in March. Myself, hubby Evan & Mike went. We are the same team again this time. After seeing the need for another van for Jesita School we came back and raised $3,000 which we will be taking with us to buy a good second hand van. Thanks to all who supported us in this venture!

I can't wait to get back there and see what's happened since our last visit. The biggest miracle on our last visit was my husband's healing from depression, diabetes, high cholesterol & chronic indigestion! He now has energy and is a different person. God is so good!

See you all in two weeks!

Joolz

Vintage Mohair Coat & Stoles

2010-08-26T18:02:00.000+10:00

I was lucky to find this lovely old coat at an Op Shop for only $2. It's a mixture of mohair & cotton so I'm thinking I'll be able to make some lovely bears out of it. The stoles aren't real fur but should also make up some cute bears or the tops of some chenille Xmas Stockings!

I also found a cute li'l brown suitcase but I'm hiding it for now. Will show my stash of them at a later date!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Vintage Style Cards...

2010-08-17T17:15:00.002+10:00

These are the sweet cards I made today at our local scrapbooking shop. I needed a bit of inspiration to get back into cardmaking so hopefully this will get me going again!

Old Style Bear Dress from Vintage & Antique Laces

2010-08-05T16:31:00.000+10:00

I just thought I would show you the sweet little bear dress I have just finished! I've patchworked the front with lots of divine old laces, some from old wedding dresses & even some old curtaining fabric. I even made a rosette using old lace, tulle & organza with a bit of bling in the centre.

Just need to find the right bear for it now!

I hope you're all having a lovely week!

My Furry Friend

2010-08-03T17:57:00.000+10:00

No it's not a bear this time but my rather large cat.

In the top photo had he just caught a mouse and had it hanging out of his mouth! In the other photo he made a bed for himself in my sewing room amongst my chenille bedspreads. He's some sort of seal point and has rusty stripes and ears when it's cold weather.

He weighs over 6 kilos and is really tall. He really does look like a lion at times (especially when he snarls), other times he's just a wuss puss!

Play Day At Pam's

2010-07-29T14:47:00.000+10:00

Today Pam (http://clothtocreation.blogspot.com/) & I had a work day at her studio. This is Pushka in one of Pam's many suitcases. I managed to cut a lot of chenille for ebay and sew up a journal cover while Pam sewed & stuffed her little chenille bear that she's creating.

Pam's DH supplied us with freshly brewed coffee as well as giving my neck a massage. What more could you want on a craft morning!

Nostalgic Vintage Lace Heart

2010-07-26T10:44:00.000+10:00

Welcome to my new blog "Bears & Old Lace". Just thought I would have a change from the Beary-Vintage name I've had for so long!

I've just listed this Vintage Style heart on Made-It (under my old name). I've made a calico heart and embellished it with old laces, a crocheted flower, a vintage hatpin, diamonte bling and a gorgeous old envelope addressed to a Miss B. Carmichael from a Charles Marshall who was in the airforce. I can't see the date but I'm guessing it was around the war time. I had such a lot of fun making it, actually I've made three now. Thanks Pam for the inspiration from another blog called Everything Vintage.

I love using my collection of old laces

Li'l Friends

2010-07-15T08:24:00.001+10:00

After so long away (only because of technical probs) I thought I better show you some of my latest creations. Ever so sweet is this little wabbit made of mohair. I still have to finish her nose and grubby up her a bit. Then there's this sweet little bear made from vintage velveteen fabric. I made her dress from a vintage tablecloth dyed in parisian for a vintage look.

Online Again

2010-06-24T07:34:00.001+10:00

I'm excited to be back online again after some probs with our provider! I have resorted to dial-up but now that our new modem has arrived I hope to be back to normal tonight!

I have really missed being able to see what's going on out there in blogland and will have some catch up reading to do!

Stay tuned I will be listing some new creations in the next few days!

More Goodies for TCCT and my online shop

2010-06-07T12:27:00.001+10:00

Tatty Old Ted

This little guy is my item this month for The Chocolate Crow Trader which has its changeover for the 15th of this month.

Old Wooden Shoe Stretchers

You will find these for $10 + postage in my shop.

Vintage Buttons In Old Lolly Tin

These can also be found in my shop.

Vintage Bathing Beauties

2010-05-27T16:36:00.001+10:00

My lovely sister-in-law Jo has come to stay for a few days while my DH is away and this is what I've created while she's been here. I'm just a novice with all this card making so it's been great to be able to learn some of the ins and outs from her! Besides she has all these special tools which has just made it much more fun!

I bought the picture card from Paperlicious studio on the Sunshine Coast and then added my own pieces of vintage laces, buttons and pages from an old book. I love doing these vintage looking cards.

Old Buttons....

2010-05-24T13:15:00.001+10:00

Don't you just love old buttons. I was lucky enough to find these at a garage sale on Saturday. They belonged to the young lady's Grandmother and she used to play with them as a child.

They were such a bargain at only $2. One of my better finds for the day!

Molly in Vintage Style Lace Dress

2010-05-20T12:16:00.005+10:00

Visit my online store (link in right hand coloumn) to view my latest creation.

Vintage Finds ...

2010-05-19T13:35:00.006+10:00

Just thought I'd show you a few treasures I have found over the last couple of weeks at garage sales. First is a lovely little wooden set of drawers. I have made it home to a lot of my vintage jewellery. What a bargain, it was only $5. I couldn't believe it! On Saturday I found this lovely set of embroidered doileys, a lovely large piece of white cotton lace and these divine vintage buttons. Also a lovely old lace covered coathanger.

Isn't it just great when you find those special treasures!

Vintage Wedding

2010-05-10T17:54:00.004+10:00

Just thought I would show you the vintage layout I have done for this photo of my husband's grandparents.

Lillian Kruger married Malcom Duncan on 18 December 1929 at Kilcoy Methodist Church.

Don't you just love her wedding dress and the lovely head piece.

I still have to add a few vintage pearls and then it's finished.

Oops and now for the photo.....

2010-05-08T14:52:00.002+10:00

A Sneek Peek....

2010-05-08T14:42:00.003+10:00

Here's a little look at the latest dress I've made for this sweet little bear. She will be for sale on The Chocolate Crow Trader on the 15th May under Cloth to Creation (I share with Pam). I have patchworked the front of this dress using lots of lovely vintage lace. Some from wedding dresses. The bodice features the corner of an old hanky. The bottom border is a lovely piece of antique lace. I have dyed the laces in Parisan Essence for a lovely aged look.

New Girls

2010-04-28T10:58:00.004+10:00

Well after a rather unproductive last two weeks (having a cat scratch which got infected and then a cold on top of that I am back on deck), and here are some of my girls in various stages of having their finishing touches added. I love the wee one in the lovely old china cup that has Mother written on it.

Pin Cushion Swap

2010-04-16T07:37:00.004+10:00

Here's the piccy of the pincushion I made for the Fox's Lane Swap. To view the lovely one I received yesterday visit Alex at Buds & Bells Blogspot. Her wrapping was also really sweet. Thanks Alex.

Home Sweet Home

2010-04-15T19:45:00.003+10:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm back after a very exciting 12 days away. We had a lovely time away, met some wonderful people & got to stay in some interesting places. I wasn't very adventurous with the food tho and preferred to stay on the safe side. I did try some of the different fruits, even durian!

Now that hubby is back at work I'm looking forward to crafting again.

I received my lovely pincushion swap today & will post some pics tomorrow.

Have a great night!

Off to Indonesia .....

2010-03-30T11:10:00.003+10:00

Tonight my husband & I leave for Indonesia. We'll be staying in a town called Bandung (two hours away from Jakarta) with a local family. So if you don't hear from me for awhile it's because I'm probably no-where near a computer or I'm having too much fun!

Have a Happy & Safe Easter everyone!

Vintage Bear Frocks

2010-03-25T17:36:00.006+10:00

I made these two sweet little white cotton dresses out of Vintage tablecloths (one older than the other and very pretty with little flowers embroidered on it). The second one has flowers and leaves embroidered on it. They fit approximately a 30cm bear. They tie at the neck with ribbon. The first one measures 55cm in length and the second one is approx 58cm. I'm selling them for $30 each.

Handmade Bears & Dresses

2010-03-19T15:54:00.008+10:00

These bears are some of my creations. The small mohair bear is the first mohair bear I ever made & I just love him! I created the long dresses on the other two bears out of vintage doileys, laces & embellishments. I dyed the natural coloured one with parisian essence for an aged look. (I didn't make those bears though).

Vintage Cards

2010-03-18T17:19:00.004+10:00

I decided to have a play with all my vintage laces, embellishments & old pics out of vintage mags & came up with these lovely cards. Very addictive they are but it's such a nice way to use up all those little bits & pieces that are too small for anything else.

Wow Look What Came In The Post ....

2010-03-13T08:28:00.006+10:00

A fantastic bag of Antique laces and even this divine old dress. A very kind friend in New Zealand who has a collectables shop sent them over to me. I can't wait to start using them!