I learned with great sadness this morning of the sudden death of Kathreen Ricketson, founder of Whipup.net and a longtime mentor and friend to so many crafters through her online work and wonderful books. Whipup has been an inspiration for so many, including myself, and Kathreen was clearly much loved in the Australian crafting and online community. Her death has been a great blow, and has tragically left her two children orphaned.
Whipup.net are collecting donations toward an education fund for the children. Visit the site to find out more.
Gifties from Down Under
When your best friend ever (yeah, that's right BBF4EVA) and partner-in-crime absconds to Australia, presents can't of course, make up for herabsence. But whoever said they don't like receiving gifts is a liar, and receiving special treats in the mail, all beautifully packaged, is a surefire way to lift your mood. Not just because my wardrobe is looking way cool these days with all the accessories Bron is sending me, but because every package contains a little piece of her heart, sent all the way across the world to me. The love and care that Bron puts into selecting gifts for people is legendary in our group of friends, and the gorgeous packaging just adds that special touch. Thank you, my BWF, for the amazing postal love!
And readers, don't forget you can still buy Bron's amazing products, along with an ever-growing range of carefully selected and beautifully restored vintage homewares and toys, from her online shop Once. If you are in Australia, or have friends or family there, or just like a daily dose of awesomeness, follow her blog for inspiration and to find out when her market stall will be open in Melbourne.
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| Today's adorable envelope, card and super-cool stockings just in time for SA winter. |
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| Beautiful Swallow Wall Plaque from Once. |
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| Oh-so-retro 100% cushion cover from Once. |
Get the Washibug!
You all know how I love a bit of washi tape, and I was thrilled when I encountered a whole table of beautiful MT tapes at the Bulwer Food & Craft in the Park a couple of weeks ago. The lovely ladies told me it was OK that my son was not willing to give me time to browse their wide selection, because there was even more fun to be had in their online store, and they were right. I placed an order with Washibug the very next day via their website, and my daughter and I were very pleased with the pricing, fast delivery and sweet packaging.
Visit the Washibug online shop today and get yourself some washi tape joy!
A Living Wreath of Succulents
This is such a gorgeous idea. I can't wait to raid my friends' succulent gardens (my little kitchen window collection won't yield enough cuttings) to try my hand at a beautiful living wreath. A Storybook Life has more lovely inspiring pics. Scroll down their page for the video tutorial to make your own.
Marvellous Maths Carnival - Play and Learn
Marilyn, otherwise known as The Toymaker, creates the most beautifully illustrated paper toys. I have been receiving her newsletter for years now, and it's always a treat. Today there was a particular treat. Marilyn has created a beautiful e-book that provides hours of fun to kids while they learn important maths concepts. Now that's a win. Here's what Marilyn says of her Math Carnival e-book:
"The games in The Toymaker’s Mysterious Math Carnival were created to amuse and delight, but they can also provide children with opportunities to practice math concepts commonly introduced in grades K-3.
The paper toys that constitute the carnival are suitable for use in the classroom, for homeschooling, remedial practice, and afternoons of fun that just happen to have built-in ways to explore and practice mathematical concepts.
Each game meets a common core standard established by the states for the development of mathematical concepts and their practice, including the manipulation of real objects to promote mathematical understanding."
Marilyn Scott-Waters
A Quiet Life
Thanks to my friend Deane, who inspires us every weekday with his Quote of the Day. Today's installment was this typographic beauty with a simple but perfect message:
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