The art of giving presents: Love is..

Love is receiving presents you know you will love for a life time.



I received the tea bag holder pictured above from a dear friend as a random present one day. I have to say that it's probably one of the most well-loved presents I have ever been given.

I use it almost daily, and sometimes more than once a day. I'm a huge tea drinker, and when I'm feeling lazy and don't feel like loose leafs, this adorable little plate comes in mighty handy to hold my tea bags.

With christmas coming up real soon, many of us are frantically trying to figure out what presents to give who. Here's a few things that I like to keep in mind when I'm hunting for presents for my beloved friends.

• Make sure that it's something the other person will like! There's really no point in buying random gifts only to have them thrown out later on.
  
• Make sure that it's practical. (This is a huge point for me). I rather my presents be used and loved, and not merely a shelf decoration or gathering dust in the garage.
  
• Make sure that it's not something the other person is going to feel guilty about. (They might love chocolate a lot, but if eating your huge basketful is going to make them feel guilty... that defeats the purpose doesn't it?)
  
• Make sure it's not going to break your own bank! I'm sure others love the thought of expensive gifts, but if you are landing yourself in debt for it.... just no. big no.
  
• Make sure all presents are done by early December! We really don't want a last minute rush, do we? That often ends in gifts that do not fit into the criterias above.
  

Have a lovely weekend!

The art of giving presents: Love is..

Next Market Ahoy!

I had originally thought to hop over to Camberwell to have a look at the Melbourne Bead Expo that's going on this weekend. It's been so long since I was at a crafty supplies expo! I absolutely enjoyed my time at Stitches and Craft and am itching for more!

However I am very aware of my lack of time, and with the Sale over at Theo's Discount Craft looming up next week.. I've decided to give Melbourne Bead Expo a skip. I'm sure my bank account will love me for it.

Instead, let me point your attention to our very next market! Little Waltz will be making an appearance at Yarraville Markets on the 15th of November, Sunday.





Remember to come check us out if you are in the area! I'll be releasing a new product line that's not jewellery then! So watch out!

I might.. might put out previews. Any of you lot want previews? ;p

Also, let's not forget about the giveaway that's going on here. I've changed the rules slightly so you can join with a bicycle story as well. Come on, join the fun!

Next Market Ahoy!

Craft Rooms, beautiful craft rooms..

So as I've mentioned before, I've recently moved house.

I moved into a much smaller house, but not so small that I feel claustrophobic.
But the most exciting thing about the move was actually the fact that I now have a craft room.

I'm sure fellow crafters know the significance of this. A place that belongs to you and you only, a place to craft, to muse and to ponder upon inspirations.. a place to procrastinate..

My craft room will also double up as my blogging HQ. Right now I'm sitting on the floor in my living room while I type out this blog entry. Terribly inspiring, I think not? I've set up my desktop and tables, I have two new shelves waiting to be set up and put into place, then everything to be sorted out and put into their respective spots. Unfortunately because this is a rental house, I can't exactly paint the walls, but I will be abusing the wonderful 3m stickers that are friendly towards painted walls.

How many of you ladies (and gents) have your own craft room? I'd love to see photos for inspiration. Flickr has been most forthcoming, but I'd love to see what you have done to your room to make it yours.

In return, I promise to post up photos of my own when I'm done with it! For now, let me share one of my favourite craft rooms I have found.


Andrea from Velvet Strawberries has one of the most beautiful craft rooms I've ever seen.








Look at that inspiration board! It's fantastic! I definitely want one in my room.


Have a look at the rest of the photos from her craft room: The beautiful pictures just takes your breath away! I know it did mine.

Absolutely, absolutely gorgeous.

Craft Rooms, beautiful craft rooms..

Waltzing through with Talent - Sanchia from Little Red Wagon Kids

Nope, I've not forgotten that this segment exists! I have had to do some minor reshuffling of the schedule of artisans but here's a complete surprise for those with little toddlers and young children!




With us today we have Sanchia from Little Red Wagon Kids

Sanchia is a lovely fellow DUSTer who resides in Sydney, Australia. She makes the most delightful children wear and swim wear that I really really wish came in my size! Children wear that embraces the imagination and embodies the joy and fun of childhood. Her range tends to be contemporary and playful with her fabric choices ranging from wild to amazingly colourful. Much like the imagination of a child, isn't it?

Sanchia was kind enough to take time out to answer a few questions for us, so do read on to learn more about the woman behind these fantastic pieces of work! I must warn you though, Sanchia has an amazing sense of humour. This may be a long read, but trust me, it's definitely worthwhile!



Teeny Weeny Sea Breeze Blue Little Splasher


Who are you and what do you sell?

My name is Sanchia and at present I'm a Mum to two "free-spirited" little girls. They were called "wild" once by a woman in the shops, but I prefer the term "free-spirited." Needless to say she was put in her place with a witty comment! I'm also a partner to a Dutchman, a domestic engineer, a chef, a cleaner, a nurse, a peace negotiator, an accountant, a receptionist, a taxi driver, a teacher, an entertainer, wanna be disciplinarian and....a sewer. So I've been at home for 4 years now and starting to go a little stir crazy. As much as I think my girls are smart, they don't really offer much in terms of intelligent conversation. So, after much encouragement I've started making and selling bright, playful easy-wearing children's clothing and swimwear on-line.

What inspires you, what acts as your muse?

I find Kids in general are inspiring. I love that they can make anything out of something. I love their imagination and how they view the world. I love clothing ranges such as Oilily, Big by Fiona Scanlan and Oobi. On a creative artistic level I have always loved Vincent Van Gogh, Monet and my Grandmother, who is a very talented painter and my mother who is also an artist and designer (she owns "Red Brolly"- if there are any quilters and stitchers reading this).

What does your creative space look like?

I have to laugh...my "creative space" involves a kitchen table, a sewing machine called "Millie" and my Living room!!!! And any spare cupboard, under bed space, nook and cranny I can find to store things. It can be very chaotic and very frustrating! Especially since I think I am a good candidate for Alzheimer's on most days.



Cranberry Crush little Splash

What makes you tick?

I love Elvis! I grew up watching Bill Collins Sunday afternoon movie sessions and loved Elvis movies. Before kids, I was a Year 6 teacher living in Bondi. I used to be one of those mad people up and running laps of the beach in the sand at 5am! I absolutely loved it. I'm still up at 5 these days, but just a different alarm- my kids are early risers. I love travelling. I've lived in Ireland for awhile, Edinburgh for a lot longer while (twice actually) and we moved to Holland for a what was intended to be a long while, but a pregnancy changed things. I still have itchy feet to this day...it's the longest I've stayed put in one spot. I grew up in the country with 3 brothers, several cats, many dogs (that kept running away), a rabbit, a few quails, budgerigars and my 5 cousins living next door-all boys. My Mum, at the time, was the visual arts teacher at 3 local primary schools, so she always made sure there were creative, crafty, arty things to make and play with in the house. I'm proudly Australian, I love summer, the beach and the Australian lifestyle. When I 'm not doing any of the above, you'll also find me selling potatoes! My Dad is a farmer and sells potatoes at Farmer's Markets, namely Eveleigh in Newtown and the Good Food and Wine at Pyrmont in Sydney and I help him out on weekends.

Tell us about your proudest achievement, your personal best!

Most proud of in my crafting/art life is when I was teaching, my classes art murals and sculptures being on display around the school grounds and being asked to paint a mural with my class for the National Maritime Museum for an exhibition and create an artwork for the local council. I'm also proud, and very nervous, to be selling on Etsy and Madeit. My personal best achievement?? There's a couple, firstly packing up my bags at the age of 22 and backpacking to Ireland to live, travelling through Finland on my own!! Not sure if this was brave or foolish. And, corny I know, but (sorry if I gross anyone out) but giving birth without drugs.



Hearts and starbursts Reversible Pinafore


Complete these sentences:

I love: dark chocolate, mint (preferably both together), mojitos, red wine, Elvis (of course) actually any music, sewing, painting, lemons, spots and stripes and the thinkings behind the power of "positive thinking"....just wish I could adhere to it!

I cannot live without: mint sauce, and if I can't get mint sauce...brown vinegar. I believe it's the perfect condiment to almost everything. Is this where I put my partner, kids and family and friends??? :)

I hope: that my girls never have to worry. Having lived on 1 income for 4 years, it's not fun, and so I hope my girls never have to worry and have the options and sources available to do whatever their dreams are.

When I grow up: I want to travel. Italy is next on the wishful thinking list, with a stop over to Holland to visit the in-laws.

What do you like about the crafty/artsy world?

Everywhere is inspiration. I'm in constant amazement and in awe at how creative people can be.

Where can we get more goodies from you?

At the moment I live at www.littleredwagonkids.etsy.com and if you want it in Ozzie dollars...www.madeit.com.au/littleredwagon.



Now wasn't that just amazing? I love Sanchia. Her answers just blow me away!





We wouldn't let you walk away empty handed, especially after having stayed with us till the end!

Sanchia has been ever so generous and is offering up a Pineapple and Raspberry Sorbet Spotty (children size) to one lucky winner!



Pineapple and Raspberry Sorbet Spotty

How cute is that? Sanchia is able to make it for a range of sizes from 9 months to 3 years old! How's that for awesome?

So how do you win this? It's simple really and here's how:


The question is:
Do you have a story or have heard a story involving a bicycle, billy cart or a little red wagon?
Share it with us and the best story wins!
This step is compulsory

After you have answered the above question, to obtain extra entries you can do the following:

For 1 extra entry: Follow this blog either through your feed reader or via the Google Friends Application. Please leave a comment saying you have done so / am already following.

For 1 extra entry: Go to Little Red Wagon Kids and heart Sanchia's shop!

For 5 entries: Purchase anything from Little Red Wagon Kids

For additional entries (worth 1 each), you can:

- Blog about this entry. Remember to leave a seperate comment with the linkback.
- Tweet about this entry. Remember to leave a seperate comment with your twitter name.

This giveaway will end 16th November 2009, 10am Melbourne time. The winner will be announced on the following Waltzing through with Talent post.

So why wait? Get cracking and you could be that lucky winner!



Would you like to be considered for this feature? Send me an email at petite.valse (at)gmail.com and tell me why you'd like to be in the feature!

Waltzing through with Talent - Sanchia from Little Red Wagon Kids

Mia and other things.

Photo taken by the lovely Edaburi

And I'm back! I do apologize, taking off quite so suddenly, disappearing without a word...

Blogtoberfest is also over and my record is in tatters. But I promise you, I have a good reason.

Remember my post about House hunting? Well, I found that house. I found the house where I could rest my weary soul for at least another year before I have to move on again. (Well, that also depends on whether or not we are allowed to sign the lease for another year..)

So when I first signed up for Blogtoberfest, I wasn't exactly counting on the fact that I'd be losing my connection to the internet for more than half the month. And it is quite hard to blog without the internet, isn't it? So I do beg for your forgiveness and understanding. But I have so much to tell and share!

The above photo is actually of me during my recent visit to the Melbourne Zoo with my dearest friend Edaburi. She took the photo while I was strolling along, with nary in my head other than the thoughts of "oh my god, oh my god, what's in the next enclosure?" It was a fantastic visit even though it started to rain on us towards the end of our visit. We finished the day with pho from a vietnamese restuarant down in Richmond. Yummy.






Before I forget.. remember our very first giveaway from Waltzing through with Talent with Kristy from Filmless Photos? We do have a winner you know. I know, I know, terribly belated, but better than never? I do promise that all future giveaway winners will be announced on time. I do hope you are able to forgive me this one time!

Without further ado, our lucky winner for the very first giveaway is Haptree from Haptree and me! Congratulations darling! You win a free 8x10 print of your choice from Filmless Photos.

Do watch out for the next Waltzing through with Talent segment. It will go live today!



Image by Dottie Angel

Have you heard of the 'dottie angel' challenge? It is the challenge of the utmost kind and after reading about it, I knew this was a challenge after my own heart and that I had to give it a go.

However with all challenges, there must be rules and exceptions. These make the challenge realistic and of course, much easier to keep.

Food, undies, socks For obvious reasons, really. I can take 2nd hand shoes, but I will never be able to buy undies or socks from an Op shop. My love for op shops only brings me quite so far.

Gifts to me: It is not my responsibility as to what others would like to gift me. I would however, prefer handmade or thrifted, of course.

Business supplies: I think this requires no explanations.

Magazine allowance: I already have subscriptions going, plus half of them are actually for mumsies.

Electronics: While I do try to buy second hand consoles, sometimes it is just not worthwhile.

Large items of furnitures: I have tried. I went around looking for a shelf for my pantry, and ended up with nothing. Only Ikea had something that would have suited. I do however, promise to always try the op shops first before heading over to Ikea.

My start date will be today: Monday 2nd of November 2009. It will go on for one year, and I really do hope to be able to meet this challenge.

Excited? Oh terribly terribly so.






Also, it's fantastic to be back.

Mia and other things.

Some days you are jumping for joy..

Gorgeous dress and photo from Magnolija

And some days you just feel like crying

Some days you are jumping for joy..

It's Tuesday and I can't wait..

Image by Raychel Shiztastic on Flickr



It's Tuesday and what a cold Tuesday it is!

I can't wait for...

.... the Northside Makers Market to swing round on Saturday. Read more about the market from the organizer's perspective here!

... this sore back to go away. It's still here!

... nice warm weather in melbourne... no really, not just "I assure you I'm here" warm weather.

... the real estate agents to get back to me with regards to my house application. Will I have a roof over my head or not?

... to see more participants waltz in with our latest featured photographer: Kirsty from Filmless Photos

What are you waiting for? Come play along with Buttons by Loulou. I'd love to see what you are waiting for!

It's Tuesday and I can't wait..