Crafty Mermaid

a quick gift

2012-01-18T17:17:00.003+13:00

I've just bought this lovely kit for a newly minted older sister - her younger sister was born just this weekend to a colleague of mine. Putting together a package for the happy household!

Oil burner

2012-01-14T12:36:00.000+13:00

I love my new oil burner - its not often that they're pleasing to the eye as well as useful :)

Creepy or cute baby card?

2012-01-13T12:35:00.000+13:00

splashes of colour

2012-01-06T15:54:00.000+13:00

The New Zealand farmer's markets

Neighbourhood friendly Kaka

2012-01-05T16:17:00.000+13:00

Friends of mine live near Zealandia (or the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary) and are frequently visited by one of New Zealand's parrots - the Kaka. It seems they like bananas (and its ok to feed them that!).

New mirror and decals for the bathroom

2012-01-04T16:29:00.000+13:00

Continuing with the plumbing and bathroom theme :) I found a new (to me) mirror in Otaki on my drive through to Taupo and finally had a chance to put up some decals I bought at the same time and website as my satchel. BM isn't convinced but I'm happy to have them brighten up that room for now.

Though my favourite is the decal over the toilet roll holder.

How's your plumbing?

2012-01-03T16:21:00.000+13:00

Here's the real reason I didn't get my Christmas stockings finished! We had the whole house replumbed in the week before the rest of my family descended for Christmas. This is the ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom.

Then the beautiful and thankfully short lived 'fix' for our new shower mixer in the main bathroom.

The wonderful wall in my craft room/study.

Here's the laundry.

And again with new plasterboard. Although I quite liked the pleasant surprize of finding the kitchen extension being insulated :) Most of the surprizes so far have been of the unpleasant and expensive variety (like having to completely replace the plumbing!). We had a builders report before we bought the house and unfortunately they missed this *little* problem (and a few others, like the floorboards, etc. etc.).

And an almost repaired wall in the craft room/study/second guest bedroom. That room is doing a 'lot' of double duties over the holidays. So happy to have the house almost back together again. We've had metal plates, rather than plastic bags put behind the shower mixers but I don't have photos of them yet. I think we'll end up leaving the bare plaster board up for a while until I have the mental space (and cash) to think about colours and more fun parts of the house redecoration (I'm not willing to admit its a renovation, just yet).

flowers, Christmas preparations and fabric

2012-01-02T16:16:00.000+13:00

I love having flowers around the house and I'm developing a great love for peonies. Though not the ability to photograph them! Ah well, this way I get to post more photos :)

I've also got a Christmas Stocking project still on the go - yes it is the 2nd of Jan. But I'm sure I'll finish it for next year. The fabric below is a recent purchase in Taupo to potentially grace the top of my stockings.

And finally, I thought I'd share my Christmas decorations - yup a severely height disadvantaged Christmas tree. But there's only so much decorating you can do for Christmas in the summer. I think I'll follow a mid winter Christmas tradition this coming year and properly decorate the house in July - when its not shining outside!

*(and yes, Ms SJ, that is your shiny gold box underneath - used for storing Christmas decorations and then brightening up my tree!)

Belated birthday presents

2011-12-24T16:02:00.000+13:00

Despite the wrapping - this was a birthday present. (yes, I do feel the need to justify why I opened it!) One of my friends gave me the most lovely set of pressies (and far too generous too - she reads the blog :)

Felt creations that I fondled fondly in a craft shop near her home. I'd say I'd fondled most of these and then reluctantly put them back when I realised my recent crafty spends. So this was a particularly pleasant delight when I opened the parcel.

Really looking forward to getting started on these - but I've promised myself that I have to finish another project first - didn't stop me taking them out and giving it a very close inspection!

And finally two critters of the butterfly persuasion. I'm doubly blessed to have such a good friend from home in New Zealand and one who 'gets' crafty stuff too!

sleigh bells ring

2011-12-22T16:19:00.000+13:00

A quick Christmas make, I didn't have a chance to post before Christmas due to the influx of family. Very small but quite pleased with it and the tinkle it makes when the door is opened.

advent swap

2011-12-22T16:13:00.000+13:00

I've participated in Laalaa's advent swap - and have been opening one gift a day since the start of December. Unfortunately for my lovely swap partner, it seems my parcel has gone walkabout. I've sent through details and hopefully it gets sorted soon.

I've had such a lovely time with this and despite the huge effort and the guilt that it hasn't turned up yet for my partner, it was great.

Fernanda also included this wonderful photo album which she made herself in a book binding course. I can't wait to fill it with special photos and it gives me the impetuous to get some of my favs printed.

Christmas cards 2011 round 2

2011-12-22T16:05:00.000+13:00

This is the last round up of Christmas cards (though I have been working on more intensive ones - probably for next year at this rate!).

Tauhara centre

2011-12-22T15:53:00.000+13:00

A beautiful summer sunset over the meditation room in the Tauhara centre near Taupo.

Christmas cards 2011 Round 1

2011-12-22T15:49:00.000+13:00

I finished up some of the supplies I bought last year for my Christmas cards in Ireland. We've had the house pulled apart and put back together a lot this month as we've had our plumbing system replaced (yes, as painful as it sounds but it was necessary!). Luckily I had some of these cutouts left over from last year and access to my wider stash. The sleigh is slightly out from the card due to foam pads.

This embossed embellishment was from an old Marks and Spencer Calendar. I love the paper. Tracing paper in the background and a metallic card set.

Love this paper and I think the red really pops.

This card was made with a particular friend in mind. She was very disappointed when she lived in Ireland not to have strawberries for her birthday - I now know what she means - yum! Strawberries in December :)

I love the 3D effect of this card and the muted tones are quite nice for it too.

This card is for my grandmother. Luckily a bulk purchase of embossed cutout cards a few years ago is holding me in good stead for my cross stitch cards. Though as I couldn't find everything I ran through a few more of them this year than I normally would for more 'normal' cards (in other words, ones that don't take me hours and hours to make!).

The final card in this set uses half a set of earrings - I didn't get a great picture of the Christmas tree. Ah well :)

2011-12-03T11:39:00.000+13:00

A photo sent from home - a breath held in and a deep longing for home.

Dunedin Round 2

2011-12-02T23:03:00.000+13:00

Occupy Dunedin

Olveston House Gardens

Olveston House

Splashes of colour

An embroidery guild exhibition in the Otago Settlers' Museum - unfortunately the museum itself was under renovations so this was the only exhibition.

This cleric's robes were so different from the Irish ones I've seen.

Other religious embroidery. Such intricate stitching.

I really loved this 3D piece - multiple layers of organza I think I recall.

And cute felt decorations for sale.

Off to the Chinese gardens next door. Chinese tea and pork buns for lunch.

This is a relatively recent build, celebrating the relationship with the Chinese community in NZ and China. The gardens were designed and built by Shanghai builders who constructed the gardens in China first using local Chinese stone and then shipped everything to New Zealand. Can't help but think the carbon footprint it a lot bigger than it should be!

All in all, a lovely weekend in Dunedin.

a crafty 2.0 afternoon

2011-11-30T15:37:00.000+13:00

Craft 2.0 has moved into a Wellington City location from Lower Hutt - I'm gutted! I loved the reason to visit the Dowse Museum :)

I also passed by the Occupy Wellington protest on my way home and felt the need to record it for posterity.

Card update

2011-11-29T15:56:00.000+13:00

Staglands

2011-11-28T15:34:00.000+13:00

A recent excursion to Staglands in Upper Hutt with two young charges. The presence of two three year olds definitely adds to the excitment of these types of places.

Though the tonnes of peacocks were worth the price of admission.

There was some really fun birds - unfortunately my camera skills weren't quite up to the task - and the next photo is even worse!

Engagements

2011-11-27T22:19:00.000+13:00

Hopefully, this card will have arrived by now and I won't be spoiling the surprize. Hah! Its a card, I kill me. I spent ages thinking about the type of card I'd make for my brother and his new fiance. I finally decided on a pretty simple one - which shouldn't have taken me two weeks to finally make - but you put bits and pieces aside then then revisit again and again!

Recent home renovations

2011-11-26T22:16:00.000+13:00

OK, OK, home renovations might be an overstatement, but BM and I recently cleared out our workroom. We removed borer infested shelves and treated the floorboards with Borer treatment and then set off a borer bomb - we really want these suckers gone!

Our house is old and borer is a pretty annoying problem. They chew through wood and can cause it to disintegrate.

Poof! Shelves gone... just like magic!

BM putting the first of two coats down - yes, I did put down the camera and start to help!

Our new clock

2011-11-25T16:07:00.000+13:00

Tripping to Dunedin

2011-11-24T09:29:00.000+13:00

The final group match for Ireland in the Rugby World Cup was with Italy in Dunedin. It was an amazing match and I had the absolute pleasure of flying into Christchurch and a road trip to Dunedin with a good friend of mine.

We had a quick pit stop in Fleurs in Moreaki - a wonderful South Island culinary institution.

A stroll in St. Clar's in Dunedin. And then the main event...

The atmosphere was truly electric - I'm already thinking about going to the All Black's v. Ireland match there next year!

Rotorua

2011-11-22T09:18:00.000+13:00

Rugby in New Zealand is a national past time (actually much like Gaelic sports in much of Ireland). It'll be interesting to see what happens with New Zealand as World Cup champions after last night's match. Much celebration and warm fuzzes I'm guessing!

It seems timely to finally work my way through my photos of my trip to Rotorua to see the Ireland Russia game. Its a bit of a long trek from Wellington but the presence of Mt Ruapehu is a beautiful milestone.

The town of Bulls is also a rather fun stop along the way - I went into an antique store and purchased some bits and pieces I'll share later. The town makes a LOT of puns based on its name. And this particular one was accurate!

BM and I stayed in a charming motel on the outskirts of Rotorua - the hideaway lodge - thankfully the entire town wasn't booked out like New Plymouth! We managed to stay somewhere nice for a lot cheaper!

The motel had a petting zoo attached with some BBQ and picnic facilities. It was the type of place that would be really fun to visit with children.

Check out this funky BBQ in the boot of an old car!

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Plenty of colourful planting too.

And fancy a picnic in a bathtub?

But the animals were the stars of the show...

Can you imagine how much this would have appealed to your 8 year old self?

After the prerequisite amount of time staring and petting the locals, we headed towards Rotorua itself for the build up to the main event. The Russians were getting into the spirit of the thing - I loved this fan's garb - though the Russian singer was a tad on the tacky side.

Excitement building, waiting for the bus to the stadium...

Watching the teams warm up and enjoying the supporter colour...

One of the highlights of the match was the double rainbow which seemed to enclose the field and end just at the touch line.

The next morning included a short peaceful walk along the lake.

Marvelling at the black swan.

Looking at a waka.

And then on to the thermal wonderland: Waiotapu - I love this place. Its been a highlight of my move to New Zealand and my second visit didn't disappoint. Steaming (stinky), bubbling pools of mud...

And finally - the sunset from the Kapiti coast over the South Island.

Piano lessons

2011-11-21T15:33:00.000+13:00

I visited the University of Canterbury a few weeks back and was delighted to find a public piano in the grounds - what a wonderful idea!

Putting down time

2011-11-20T15:31:00.000+13:00

I was waiting for friends to arrive on a very late ferry - thankfully having my crochet with me didn't cause me to lose my patience with the poor communication from the ferry staff (yes, it was the Interislander - I've just booked my trip on the Bluebridge this Christmas...)

Wellington and the Flying Burrito Brothers

2011-11-19T23:44:00.000+13:00

During our recent stint without access to the kitchen for flooring reasons, BM and I visited the Flying Burrito Brothers in Wellington - yum! Of course, I only managed to take two photographs that night: Wellington's famous bucket fountain - of passer by soaking fame and a frozen margarita from the FBB's.

Wrapping and Lavender

2011-11-17T21:59:00.000+13:00

I spent a lot of time on Saturday wrapping Christmas presents. It seems so early to be doing it in November but the guaranteed postal deadline to Ireland is rapidly approaching. On a quick jaunt out of the house this morning, I spied the two final gifts I needed to send home. They gift wrapped them in the shop and I may just find it too hard to post the gifts - too, too cute! I love how they're wrapped.

I also managed to finish a few lavendar sachets. I embellished the fabric a little with a few words and some embroidered texture. All three of these are already assigned in my head... Two to mothers to be when they are :) And one as a token Christmas present. I think lavendar is probably one of my favourite scents.

Finally, I also finished wrapping all my gifts for an advent swap I'm participating in. Just need to send them off soon! I really enjoyed wrapping each one a little differently and hope that the recipient enjoys receiving, openning and then actually using the gifts. I've been paired up with a lovely lady in Brazil - she's between blogs at the moment but as soon as she gets one up and running, I'll post a link here.

Crocheting with cotton

2011-11-16T21:44:00.000+13:00

I dove into my new stash and whipped up a quick face cloth from my two new cotton yarns. I think it worked out quite well. :)

Crochet ornaments

2011-11-15T21:52:00.000+13:00

I made up these crocheted circles in the centre of these ornaments last year as I thought this might be a nice addition to my hexagon blanket. But they just didn't pop when they were finished. However, a friend of mine thought they were cute and wanted them for her Christmas tree. It took me a year but I finally got some time to put them together into something 'tree' worthy. I added some stuffing between two circles and crocheted a border. added some buttons and coloured beads and they're all wrapped up for delivery for a Christmas birthday. And yes, the organised beading stash did come in handy almost immediately!

The monkey hangers were from Urban Outfitters and were a UK purchase last year. They're currently residing on a cupboard in the kitchen and we use them to hang shirts after our weeking ironing sessions. Nice and inobstrusive for the rest of the time too!

Beading adventures

2011-11-14T21:50:00.000+13:00

I've been organising my craft room - not that anyone outside of me will think its more organised - I can picture my mother grinning as she reads this (she had a lot to put up with when I was younger!).

But I've collated all of my beading supplies and should the mood take me, it'll be a lot easier to make jewellery. I made up two different necklaces with my current supplies. One for a gift and one to wear specifically to match some of my current clothing choices.

Yup, the longer necklace made it on to my jewellery board. The board was also a recent fix up. I bought a frame from a second hand shop and used an old pin board to make up a nicer version to display my wares - I'm far more likely to wear them now.

Cropped Trousers

2011-11-13T21:33:00.000+13:00

I finally finished another of my Work-in-Progress sewing projects. All I had to do was to sew on some buttons! Eeek! But here it is finally in all its glory...

I also sewed two buttons on the turned up hems. I've already worn it twice and it fits nicely into the rest of my wardrobe.

macro lens

2011-11-12T21:23:00.000+13:00

I have quite a few photos to work through (and I can't seem to find some of my touring snaps) so these are likely to be quite out of order. It was my birthday last month and BM's parents gave me a wonderful gift. BM's dad took this photo of a dandelion head. I absolutely love it and can't wait to display it in our house and love that its a piece to remind us of BM's dad too.

The White House

2011-11-09T14:57:00.000+13:00

A recent celebratory dinner at the White House in Wellington. We opted for the degustation menu and rolled ourselves home afterwards. I only remembered to photograph two of the courses - yes, it is a strange thing to whip out your camera and photograph your food. But remember, you eat with your eyes too! Think of this as the healthier version of seconds!

The starter was a radish in a cream cheese and walnut 'soil'. One of the other courses involved dry ice and sorbet! It came out of the kitchen bubbling and steaming. We figured it for a hot course, but were pleasantly surprised!

far too much purchasing

2011-11-08T14:53:00.000+13:00

Items from my recent trip to New Plymouth - it got a bit embarrassing after a while - I think I entered Gollum mode! Stroking yarn in random wool shops...

Above: cute kiwi magnets

Below: lots and lots and lots of white and yellow cotton yarn

Two antique frames - I plan on either making these into mirrors for our guest bathroom or into a corkboard jewellery holder for our bedroom.

Antique handkerchiefs - some beautiful designs.

And glorious, bright, cheerful wool from the Wool company. These colours are edible... Raspberry and a mix of purple, blue, green and pink. This would be why I've been broke over the last few weeks :)

serving spoons

2011-11-07T14:47:00.000+13:00

At Christmas I transported back a number of items my grandmother had gifted me. This salad serving set was brought home from the Congo by my grandfather. Despite a problematic entry into the country (they were nearly taken from me in Auckland), they've been making themselves at home in my kitchen. Unfortunately they're more decorative than usable but I'm hoping to frame them and display them in the kitchen at some point.

starting a stocking

2011-10-23T07:03:00.000+13:00

I'm slowly making my way through stored cross stitch kits. A few years ago, a local store were having a rather good sale and I stock up on cross stitch kits - yes, it fell into the 'bargain' category rather than 'want' one! So I've ended up with (a thankfully slowly dwindling) stash of cross stitch kits. I finally finished up this Christmas stocking. I think I was attracted to the colours but as it turns out, not the pattern. But I just need to decide on a recipient and sew this baby up! (could be years...)

yellow schoolbag

2011-10-22T09:27:00.000+13:00

A recent purchase to replace my poor handbag (which I've already repaired three times - unfortunatetly this time its the leather outside and not the lining giving way!).

Purchased from Bohemia all the way in Edinburgh.

Thinking about televisions

2011-10-21T09:24:00.004+13:00

My parents are coming over this Christmas to visit for the first time. Despite getting rather excited about the whole visit, I'm also planning things I can do around the house once I have the 'big guns' present. One of these such jobs is to wallpaper behind the newly mounted television. I was really inspired by this cover of the NZHouse and Garden.

I think a dark backdrop might just take from the monolith that is a very large television.

I got a wonderful email this morning from one of my giveaway winners (Ollie & T) who very kindly shared the details of my parcel on her blog this morning - http://ollieandt.blogspot.com/2011/10/happy-thoughts-on-thursday1-excited.html

I hope she gets a lot of use out of the bag! :)

Garden moments

2011-10-17T21:09:00.000+13:00

Its coming into warmer weather slowly (and with a few false starts) in New Zealand. I'm really enjoying discovering the treasures our new garden has in store.

Some wonderful colour and beautiful surprises.

Wild garlic and splashes of bright brilliance.

I also had some wonderful news over the weekend. My brother and his warm, bubbly, talented and all round wonderful girlfriend are engaged! :)

They went away for a trip to Edinburgh for the weekend and he proposed on one knee overlooking the city. I couldn't be more delighted for them both. They're really wonderful together (I may be over using that word!).

I wonder if I'll get to make a speech at the wedding! Ha ha! I doubt my brother would let me near the microphone :)

Now to convince them that a trip to New Zealand is the best honeymoon ever...

my latest card creations

2011-10-14T17:19:00.000+13:00

I'm so happy that picassa has removed the five picture limit for blogger uploads! It means I don't have to spread the images out over a number of posts :)

The card above seems to work quite well. The card is metallic and the finding on the front is from a pair of earrings where one went walkabout when I wore them to work!

I have a thing about maps and I enjoyed putting this card together from washi tape, scrap paper and an old world map!

Not much personal input on this one - the bits are stickers my aunt gave me for a previous birthday (I think!)

Same set of stickers!

This was an idea that didn't quite work out. Glue and glitter. I think the heart needs to be closer to the right and potentially followed by two smaller ones (though I don't know if the smaller ones will be possible).

I haven't quite finished this card I think, I've placed the rest of this 'lot' into my card box but I think I need to locate my heart punch and add a cut out in the bottom right corner to finish this off.

Arranging pieces

2011-10-13T17:06:00.000+13:00

We also needed some lighting in the living room and I moved home this lamp from work. It could do with another few inches in height but it works well there nonetheless.

hexagons

2011-10-11T21:06:00.000+13:00

My hexagon blanket is continuing, slowly... With all the house disruptions (and travel for the World Cup!) I haven't had a chance to make any real progress on this - it doesn't help that I have another crochet project on the go as well!

new stool

2011-10-10T19:02:00.000+13:00

Our sitting room is coming together - a slow and steady process! BM and I recently purchased this 'milking' stool as a side table for the arm chair at one end of the living room. I love the dark colour and it works really well with the picture rail in the room.

The end of world cup dreams for Ireland

2011-10-10T09:28:00.000+13:00

I'm posting this today after a rather disappointing loss to Wales on Saturday. I went all crazy last week and bought an early birthday present ticket for the Quater Finals match against Wales (for far, far too much money). Unfortunately, Ireland didn't deliver...

I still have my photos to post of the Russian match - unfortunately, I didn't manage to take any non-blurry photos at the Italian match as it was a 8.30pm kick off and the weekend was more of a friend visiting experience than a touristy one! However, both trips were wonderful. Dunedin was a sea of green and such an amazing atmosphere.

the blue house

2011-10-09T16:41:00.001+13:00

There's something about this cross stitch that reminds me of my new home. Its hanging on the wall in my craft room at the moment and I'm coming up with a longer term solution that doesn't look too twee!

Giveaway winners

2011-10-05T07:43:00.002+13:00

Busy, busy, busy this week - but that's always the way when you think you won't be!

Thanks so much for your comments (and hello to my new followers!)

As there were comments for both the bag and scarf, I've decided to send both.

Tania and Hausfrau, I'll be in contact by email to get your postal addresses.

The Meditteranan Food Warehouse Pizza Parlour

2011-09-27T19:31:00.000+13:00

When we had our floorboards under construction recently, we had to operate without a kitchen - which meant a lot of eating out. We tried the Mediterranean Food Warehouse Pizza place in Kelburn.

Its a nice, cheap eat (though pizza pomodoro in Wellington do a better Italian pizza). BM was intrigued by the taro cake on the menu. I hadn't had taro before I came to New Zealand (apologies if I'm preaching to the choir). Its a tuber veggie and is really common in Polynesia (and increasingly New Zealand). It has a sweet nutty flavour. I still haven't cooked it at home though and am pretty sure they added food dye!

*** Giveaway details: http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.com/2011/09/15-followers.html***

At the Cable Car

2011-09-26T19:26:00.000+13:00

A view of Wellington from the Cable Car in the Botanic Gardens. BM has this view on his walk to work every day - I only have it if I need to head into town for a meeting.

*** Giveaway details: http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.com/2011/09/15-followers.html***

House upsets

2011-09-25T19:57:00.000+13:00

There's been an awful lot of this...

and this...

recently because of this...

but thankfully, its started to look like this...

And that's after 35 different floorboards were removed, replaced, sanded and varnished...

Its been rather tiring.

*** Giveaway details: http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.com/2011/09/15-followers.html***

wine tasting around Martinborough

2011-09-24T18:04:00.000+12:00

The second day in Martinborough saw us touring some of the wineries for wine tasting. I drove so BM was able to stock up our cellar (doesn't that sound grand? Actually its a few bottles in the same cupboard as our cleaning supplies!).

It can be quite good fun touring the different wineries and sometimes there's quite a drive between each of them. Here's BM perusing the selection at one cellar door.

And here's a smaller (but very cute) cellar door. I find the whole idea of being able to visit wineries to be a wonderful idea. I love that the climate supports grapes here.

That evening we drove to Masterton and went to the Countryman for dinner and walked around the town first to peer in windows. It seems that the young farmers contest was also on that weekend!

Another wonderful meal. The presentation was seriously appealing. Paua frittter for BM and garlic bread for me to start.

Scallops for BM and beef (I think!) for me for mains.

Followed by crumbed camenbert for BM and a sweet treat for me. Yum yum! It was a fun weekend. Unfortunately I got hit by a bug and went under for a bit - but the wood stove was a god send and I snuggled down in front of a roaring fire and broke into my reading.

*** Giveaway details: http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.com/2011/09/15-followers.html***

A weekend trip to Martinborough

2011-09-23T23:26:00.000+12:00

Winter is a long, long season without the bright lights and celebrations of Christmas and New Years to break it up. This year BM and I took a weekend trip to Martinborough in one of the wine producing regions of New Zealand. I started the weekend with a hot stone massage and it ended with a refreshing juice and nibbly chocolate.

I booked BM and I into a Bach (holiday home) in Martinborough. I was much impressed by the bright blue kitchen splashback and the beautifully warm wood stove.

The house would be great in summer as the living room/kitchen opens on to the deck.

And around the corner is a very pleasant surprize - a wonderful hot tub.

We ended our first evening with dinner in the Martinborough hotel.

A yummy souffle for BM and a fresh bread and dip for me.

We both had a duck based main - yum yum!

And BM had cheese for dessert. So appetizingly presented that I had to steal a photo and some cheese!

We went on a tour of some of the wineries the next day and I'll sort through the photos and post about that soon! (And yes, to my Christmas visitors, you will be going to Martinborough, there will be a quiz so pay close attention!)

*** Giveaway details: http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.com/2011/09/15-followers.html***

My walk to work

2011-09-22T23:50:00.000+12:00

A quick picture caught on my way to work this week.

*** Giveaway details: http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.com/2011/09/15-followers.html***

signs of spring

2011-09-20T18:00:00.001+12:00

But daffodils in the markets and cherishingly carried home.

*** Giveaway details: http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.com/2011/09/15-followers.html***

snow in Wellington

2011-09-20T18:00:00.000+12:00

And snow on our path too... Such a magical environment...

snow out my window

2011-09-20T17:43:00.000+12:00

Last month's Wellington snow fall did make some pretty pictures.

Brightening up the Kitchen

2011-09-19T17:42:00.000+12:00

The herb corner of our kitchen.

Housed beside our Cath Kidson covered kitchen table.

Now brightened up with new bright plant containers.

Giveaway to celebrate 15 Followers!

2011-09-18T21:36:00.001+12:00

I started the crafty-mermaid blog soon after I moved to New Zealand and wanted to have a record of the things I'd been making. I wanted a way of sharing this with some of my friends in Ireland, the US and even in New Zealand.

The last few years have been pretty changeable. I made some wonderful NZ friends and moved in with them. I met and fell in love with BM. Moved in with him and his two cats and then convinced him to move! This year, we bought a house together and I love, love, love it. An Teach Gorm (the blue house). Its been wonderful to document all the changes and to look at the emerging pattern in 20:20 hindsight.

As well as a visual record, I've also found some wonderful, colourful, bright and beautiful blogs. I've visited blogs and started and entered into conversations. Others have called in here and said hi or 'oh that's nice!' and its all been greatly appreciated. I had a rather nice surprize today when I realised that I had 15 followers. I'm so glad you're interested in calling in and seeing what I've been up to. I really enjoy all your comments and love visiting all your blogs. I spend a lot of my time being inspired by what others have created.

So I want to say thank you! I'm offering a giveaway - to anywhere in the world - I'd like to put together a package of crafty-mermaid crafts and post it to one or two of you. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post or follow my blog and let me know which of the following makes you'd like.

Option A: Crochet Bunting

Option B: Grey Crocheted Scarf

Option C: Cath Kidson Bag (home sewn from the book Sew with additional lining and internal pockets)

I'll also include a selection of my cards.

I'll pick the winners on the 30th of September.

High Tea at the Wellesley Club

2011-09-18T17:40:00.000+12:00

I've signed up for a few daily offers websites and recently spied a 'High Tea' treat. I quickly nabbed a high tea for four at the Wellesley Club. I've firmly placed the Wellesley Club into the shabby posh category, and its in one of the older buildings in Wellington. Lovely embroidered linen with cute china.

Monogramed spoons...

Rough sugar chunks and sugar tongs...

And a selection of lovelies - including cucumber sandwiches (which I passed off on one of my guests!). Definitely worth the half price admission but I doubt I'd be keen to pay full price.

A Green Tour of the 'Naki

2011-09-18T17:34:00.000+12:00

Mt Taranaki in all its snow capped volcanic glory.

Last weekend, BM and I took a tiki tour to Taranaki to watch the Ireland - USA world cup rugby match (and after last night's amazing Ireland - Australia game, I'm really sorry I didn't shell out for tickets to Eden Park in Auckland too!). Taranaki is an active tectonic region and Mt Taranaki dominates the landscape (at least on a clear day as we couldn't see it the next due to cloud!). The mountain just seems to bubble up out of the landscape.

BM and I stayed in Stratford about 4 and a half hours from Wellington. Stratford is home to New Zealand's only glockenspiel and the start of the Forgotten World Highway. I was unfamiliar with the glockenspiel concept so I'll explain it slowly for those in the same boat!

In this case the Glockenspiel is a mock Tudor clock tower which at the same times every day, scenes from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet play out over loudspeakers accompanied by random panel's in the clock tower opening and plastic Romeo and Juliet figures popping out to say hello. I thought it was hilarious and our guidebook identifies it as one of the tackiest tourist attractions in New Zealand. I can't believe the locals have to put up with the loud clockwork like music four times a day.

Luckily other parts of Stratford were far more likely to keep my interest. I wandered into a local craft exhibition - mainly quilts and clay. I really loved the simple design and bright colours on this quilt.

I'm very tempted to make something similar to these clay sculptures for our garden. I can imagine them hidden in amongst the greenery, provided a hidden surprize for eagle eyed visitors. (Speaking of which, I'm loving finding what flowers are in our garden and need to share some of the wonderful blooms with you all - one of my Irish friends couldn't believe that we had blooms last month at the end of winter - even before and during our 'snow').

BM's mother does some Raku firing and I thought these were really nice examples of that method. It requires making a different type of kiln and can lead to some very beautiful results.

I also loved these tulip like vessels. The beautiful deep blue interior contrasted with the terracotta and white exterior. A fantastic twist on the famous Irish pottery of Stephen Pearce. I was very tempted to buy these but you couldn't take them away until the exhibition was over (too far to travel to collect!) and my better sense kicked in as I realised I had nowhere to put them!

These lovely figures had such personality. I loved the facial expressions.

This was another sculpture which caught my eye - really well done and such texture.

This quilted picture was so well done and I loved the french knot sheep.

The next stop on the tiki tour was on the Forgotten World Highway - so called because of how few people live on Highway 43. Some of the advertised stops could have been skipped - this brickworks needs some serious TLC.

But the countryside was green - Taranaki apart from the lack of people and the too high hills reminded me of home. That might just have been the gearing up for the match, the rain and the green, green grass...

The last stop for us on the Highway was the Republic of Whangamomona. In 1989 the regional councils moved the council boundaries and the village (of 30 or so people) were moved from one region to another. Not wanting to play rugby for the opposition, Whangamomona declared themselves a Republic and elected a president.

We got a fantastic welcome at the local pub when we stopped for lunch. The original plan was to travel the whole length of the highway but we were advised to go earlier to New Plymouth for the rugby match. Most of the locals were going to the match (well there was only 30) and dressed up in green jerseys to support Ireland! The rest of the highway includes some unsealed roads rather than tarmacked or as they're called here metalled roads. I'd definitely like to finish the highway if I'm back this direction on holiday again.

The beers on tap included some usuals and the local brew.

So back to New Plymouth for the rather wet warm up to the match. The USA brought their own band! The lengths some people will go to...

It was an amazing night - even if the game wasn't up to much. Ireland suffered from some opening nerves and the pitch was drenched - but that many Irish voices and rain - it felt like watching a match in Lansdowne! On the road early the next morning to be back at work for lunch time...

The sea of green

Taupo

2011-09-12T21:09:00.000+12:00

From a recent trip to Lake Taupo for work! I'll be passing through it (and probably staying there) in a few weeks time. Just back from a trip to New Plymouth to watch Ireland play against the USA in the Rugby World Cup. I got soaked! Just like watching a match at home so! I need to download and sort through my photos and I'll post them on my blog for my Irish rellies who couldn't make the trip out!

couscous cake

2011-09-07T23:43:00.006+12:00

A couscous cake from the Cook Yourself Think book.

Unfortunately this is the only misstep from the book - the cake didn't really work out well at all but all the other recipes I've made had worked out well - quick and tasty!

Manon

2011-09-06T23:45:00.017+12:00

We had a bit of a disruptive few weeks recently. Our floorboards were being repaired and we ate out as much as we could as the smell of dust and varnish wasn't conducive to cooking and eating at home.

However, we found a fantastic Wellington based restaurant called Manon. In the surrounds of mock tudor and cosy settings, we enjoyed a degustation menu offering a choice between Land, Sea and Garden. Garden being suitable for vegetarians, Land supplying steak, duck and other delicacies and Sea bringing some wonderful options to the table for BM! It worked out really well - each ordering one of the three options...

I had a really lovely meal and so did my two dining partners and I can't wait to visit again.

Cape Cod chairs

2011-09-05T23:34:00.006+12:00

Another potential house purchase - a Cape Cod chair. We have a deck out the front of our house and I'm thinking, thinking, thinking about what seating we should put out there. Unfortunately its right in the path of the prevailing wind so I'll need to be careful about whether or not it comes in through the window unexpectedly! I'd love these in yellow or red!

door mats and boxes

2011-09-04T23:18:00.009+12:00

Making decisions about door mats for the front door! I wanted something really bright. But I also liked the grey and that's the one BM agreed on!

I also saw these wonderful hatboxes and still haven't decided if I'll buy them or not!

a strange week

2011-09-03T23:14:00.002+12:00

I finally downloaded all my photos from my week in Kaikoura. It was a week that started out so well. Kaikoura was a beautiful location for our fieldtrip but the Christchurch earthquake happened two days in to the trip (as I mentioned here). It was a very strange week - I ended up in Christchurch airport and got a flight home in the business class section of a jumbo jet.

Christchurch is still battling with the issues of rebuilding and working around closed retail shops and what the future Christchurch should look like. I've got a few friends in Christchurch and they're still dealing with aftershocks and all the after effects.

Quack

2011-09-02T18:59:00.000+12:00

I thought I hadn't taken a picture of this card but I have!
However, I managed to take (for once) quite a nice photo.

fox

2011-09-02T18:39:00.000+12:00

Since I moved I've been looking for art work for our walls and found this great artwork by Stuart Thomas in the New Dowse - unfortunately it wasn't available!

Christmas in August

2011-08-30T23:53:00.002+12:00

The winter can be really long without Christmas to break it up. So an English friend of mine decided to have mid winter Christmas last weekend. I decided to make simple felt Christmas presents to give to my friends and the other guests.

First up an owl...

Then a Christmas tree...

A whale for BM...

And a Christmas stocking...

And finally a scottie dog ala Creative Breathing. Unfortunately the photo doesn't do the dog justice - it worked out really well from a pattern on the Creative Breathing blog - run by a very talented lady.

chinese dress

2011-08-29T23:11:00.002+12:00

Can you tell that I'm working through my photos on my phone? :D
This is the Chinese silk dress I ordered in Shanghai. Unfortunately, despite being made to measure, it doesn't really fit and is very unflattering on. Hopefully, my wonderous sewing guru will help me turn it around.

Bunting in the snow

2011-08-28T23:07:00.000+12:00

I've been sorting through my photographs from Ireland last year and found these. I'm pretty sure I didn't blog them and as it snowed in Wellington last week - it felt appropriate!

My rented home needed a bit of festive cheer so I created crepe paper bunting for my window and just enjoyed the snow...

bits and bobs

2011-08-21T22:33:00.002+12:00

A long completed cross stitch, waiting for a happy couple to adorn a special card.

A less pleasant expression but one I have already planned as an embellishment for a gift for a friend of mine who will love it!

A quick doodle - maybe for a future card...

Dowse designs

2011-08-20T22:31:00.002+12:00

The haul from my most recent Craft 2.0 show at the Dowse in Lower Hutt. Some nice bits and bobs that will be making their way into larger pressies at some point!

earring purchases

2011-08-19T22:30:00.002+12:00

Some rather colourful earrings to compensate for the cold winter weather. Bought these in a sale for $2 each!

new cushions

2011-08-18T22:28:00.003+12:00

I made up some rather nice (if I do say so myself!) cushion covers from some Ikea fabric I brought back with me from Ireland last year. Love how they turned out. I needed something to celebrate being able to use the living room again after two weeks of paint fumes from the new floorboards. More on that in a later post, but our house has seen a pest control guy, joiner, floorboard guy and a plasterer over the last few weeks! Eeek!

The cross-stitched cushion was a Marks and Spencer purchase at some point and I still really love it. I hope BM doesn't mind the house being taken over by my creations!

A DIYed magnet

2011-08-17T22:26:00.002+12:00

Originally a Chubb Magnet - now covered with some cycle tape - inspired by this project

Shanghai South Bund Fabric Market

2011-08-16T19:59:00.002+12:00

On my January trip to Shanghai, I stopped off to get some clothes made in the Shanghai South Bund fabric market (inspired by Miss Celia's Pants). Unfortunately I can't find the photographs I took of the market - what an interesting place! I happily lost myself there for a few hours and even wandered down the back alleys behind the market. I ended up buying some lovely fabric and buttons.

Unfortunately my clothes weren't all as great as expected. I got a Chinese style silk dress but it really doesn't fit me - I don't think they were able to handle making dresses for large breasts! I'll give stall no. 189 and Bowang Dressmakers a miss the next time.

The second set of clothes - two pairs of trousers made from a pair I owed - also didn't work out. The fabric for the two pairs that turned up at my hotel (unfortunately while I was out exploring) didn't match my fabric choices in the shop (a lot cheaper and much shiner!). Definitely going to give stall No. 304, Julie or Tong Xiao Feng a massive miss - really unimpressed!

However I couldn't be happier with my final dress. They made an exact replica of a black linen dress with black cotton lining. Great work and definitely worth a revisit if I'm passing through Shanghai again - I would definitely recommend stall no. 306 under Ji Guo Xing and Ji Hai Nan.

Congratulations and other cards

2011-08-15T19:56:00.010+12:00

A tag from the purchase of a wonderful print by Andrea Joseph. Too beautiful to not reuse!

I really love how this one turned out. I had the sticker from a book of quotes from years ago.

And a halloween selection!

snowdays

2011-08-14T22:23:00.000+12:00

Its snowing in Wellington - so cute! Doesn't seem to be landing though...
Figures crossed for a cold night and we might just get a proper dusting.

handmade paper cards

2011-08-14T19:13:00.002+12:00

A simple card with beautiful handmade paper - I'm loving the simple cards at the moment.

I love how this one looks - the colours are even better in person!

Robot cards

2011-08-13T19:08:00.002+12:00

I loved these stickers and couldn't bring myself to making the cards more complicated than this!

some finished cross stitch kits

2011-08-12T19:03:00.002+12:00

I may have changed the text on this one slightly! But I do think it improves it. I'm thinking a tote bag at some point.

I actually finished this kit a few years ago but haven't gotten around to using it as a card. I think it might be better suited to another purpose, but I'm not sure of what yet.

A nice easy kit and could make a cute tote bag too (I may end up making too many of them!).

A Christmas present from last year from a wonderful Aunt. These are supposed to be Christmas decorations but might end up being cards instead.

Scarf

2011-08-11T18:59:00.002+12:00

I finally darned in the ends of my crochet scarf and now its sitting in my present box, waiting for the right recipent! Crocheted in 'lead mine' coloured Rowan Tapestry yarn (70% wool and 30% soybean protein fibre, don't ya know!). I love how the colours naturally repeat. I'm really quite fond of this, so the recipent had better be someone very special! :)

Evolution of the Geek

2011-08-10T18:56:00.002+12:00

I found this wonderful graphic online and it was just the thing to make a card for a friend from another friend. Both of whom are interested in playing a little Dungeon and Dragons. I've got to make some of it up in cross stitch some day!

Crocheted cushions

2011-08-09T18:51:00.002+12:00

Last year a few months before Christmas I started crocheting two cushions for my mother. I made over enthusastic promises about having them ready for Christmas. Unfortunately, that deadline zoomed by and I ended up hauling them back to New Zealand to finish. But they are oh so pretty, aren't they? Well they're currently winging their way back to Ireland just in time (I really, really hope!) for my mother's birthday!

So finally, two cushions as ordered and designed to match your new (not so much any more!) curtains! One red, beige and cream and the other navy, red, beige and cream. Both with matching buttons. I hope they suit the room and many many wishes for a wonderful birthday - thinking of you!

Some DIYing

2011-08-08T18:27:00.029+12:00

We've been our new house since April and I finally feel like we're getting bits and pieces sorted. Unfortunately the builder's report we had done for the house, wasn't great and we've discovered bits and pieces that need fixing. But we've got them on a list and we're working through them! Last weekend's job was to remove built in shelves from our living room. We had a guy in to replace floorboards and as we had moved all the furniture our of this room and we likely to uncover more floorboards which would need sanding, we decided last weekend was a good time for our mini-demolition project!

Apologies for the very blurry photos! I didn't realise they were quite so bad when I took them!

A view of the shelves from the dining room!

First, find the hidden screws holding the shelves to the wall!

Oh there's one! Can you see?

Clearer now?

Almost there...

Almost...

Poof!

And repeat, and repeat, and repeat...

Oh there's something there...

Looking like original wallpaper!

A quick remove and tidy up and we found panelling! We're going to leave the plastering to the professionals. But I really enjoyed seeing parts of the house's history and enjoyed the pulling and dragging - the house is starting to feel like ours!

August cards

2011-08-07T19:57:00.001+12:00

A simple notecard with a simple sticker rescued from an old video box.

Not quite happy with the use of the rest of the stickers though!

This card worked out really well though!

Not quite happy with the hearts but it still looks ok!

East Coast New Zealand

2011-08-07T18:23:00.001+12:00

Sometimes, I just LOVE my job...

So, so, so good for the soul.

A virgin Mojito and some reading

2011-06-24T08:31:00.002+12:00

Some friends of ours came over last weekend and left some delicious virgin mojitos. I had to have one in a martini glass with some fresh mint and then couldn't resist the photo when I left my drink on the mantle to answer the phone! Oh what glamourous lives we lead :D

Crocheted bunting: part 2

2011-06-23T08:26:00.003+12:00

Colourful and bright :)

Though I need to figure out how to make acrylic yarn not curl - spraying it and pining it didn't seem to work and it seems that 'blocking' only works with natural fibres. Oophs!
Part 1 is here :)

fuzzy cards

2011-06-22T08:25:00.002+12:00

Looks like I need to clean my camera lens! Just some simple cards. I love how the buttons one turned out :) The duck card was from a kit so was a very quick make.

Cath Kidston: Sew

2011-06-21T08:23:00.002+12:00

I finally got around to finishing off my Cath Kidston Sew bag. I made a few modifications to it; swapped the buttons for nicer ones, added in a few extra button holes to adjust the straps, lined it and put in pockets and moved the logo to the inside rather than on the outside. I really like how it turned out and my herb stand in the kitchen is looking pretty good too. :) The bag isn't really my thing - it seems a little too fussy for my use, but I still really like it. Definitely think it'll make a good pressie for someone :)

More tea? More cake?

2011-06-20T08:09:00.003+12:00

A non vegan cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery book for a new colleague's house warming party (Don't worry - they weren't all for me! This is the leftovers!). A friend gave me the book as a housewarming gift. Great tasting cupcakes but I seriously cut down on the amount of icing they wanted to add to them, I only made up about a third of the recommended batch.

stitching in progress

2011-06-19T08:06:00.000+12:00

I've been trying to finish off the cross stitch kits I own and not start any new projects that require buying any materials. I've stitched up quite a few of my kits but I'm running out of ideas for using up the finished pieces and this is too cute to turn into something more useful :)

Vegan cupcakes round 2

2011-06-15T17:42:00.002+12:00

Orange chocolate fully vegan cupcakes. The cake was disappointing again but my vegan friend still enjoyed them :) I gave up on trying to create smooth icing and embraced the wild side :p

I asked my friend what I was doing wrong but it seems that they're not far off her versions. Although I used silicon cupcake papers/wrappers and I think that didn't help - the book specifically recommends that you don't. I'm pretty keen on not wasting the paper cases though, so I'll have to try a few more options to see if there's other nice vegan cupcakes recipes that work with them.

The makings of a blanket

2011-06-14T09:20:00.002+12:00

TikiLounge

2011-06-13T17:38:00.002+12:00

From Vegan to meaty goodness... I present a Lower Hutt dining pleasure... The Tiki Lounge

Well worth a visit for their steaks with red wine juice served in a cute cup!

We also had a yummy garlic bread for starters and the most amazing snickers milk shake for dessert (think peanuts, chocolate and milkshaky goodness)...

Vegan cupcakes take over the world

2011-06-11T17:41:00.002+12:00

Gingerbread and mint chocolate vegan cupcakes.

I messed up on their vegan-ness a tad. The mint chocolate cupcakes required shortening and as I've never used it before I just bought the first lot of shortening I came across (in the third shop I visited mind!). Unfortunately when I googled the ingredients later to find out what Suet was I realised that the book should have specified vegetable shortening and not just shortening! The mint choc ones look nice but the cake wasn't so tasty. The vanilla buttercream gingerbread was nice though - although serious amounts of sugar in the icing - and I didn't even use all of the batch that I made! Of course the little silver ball decorations weren't vegan either - they contain gelatin.

I have a vegan friend and was looking to make her something nice... These got distributed around work instead! Round 2 will be fully vegan!

Feeling hot, hot, hot

2011-06-10T17:37:00.002+12:00

A hot water bottle cover from stash and an old towel. I may have a problem... Not just throwing out an old towel...

No shit, Sherlock

2011-06-09T17:35:00.002+12:00

I may have changed the wording slightly... Hoping to make this into a shopping bag at some point.