2013 Hottie Challenge

I decided to join in with the Hottie Challenge this year. Thanks Cam for encouraging me!
So this was my blank canvas -

And this is my finished entry -

I've entitled it "What a Hoot-ie".
Hopefully I can raise a little money for the Margaret Pratt Foundation along with all he other amazing entries so far!

Owl Cushion - free embroidery

I've recently finished sewing up an owl cushion, my own embroidery, and thought I'd offer it up as a free pattern. Perfect for Mother's Day if your Mum loves owls like mine does!

The making -

 The free owl embroidery -

If you use the pattern let me know. I'd love to see your take on it!

March in Instagram

Last month I didn't get up to much, but there were a few highlights I can share.

Scored majorly at the op-shops!

Went on a 4WD adventure around our area.

Bought some new lizards!

Enjoyed the benefits of all the rain we had in February.

Hung out with my beautiful animals.

Bought some stuff from my favourite store, Typo.

Got a bad cold. Which is why I didn't do too much this month.

Here's to April being a lot better than March!

February in Instagram

This month just flew by! Wait, I said that about last month, didn't I? Doesn't help that this month is a couple days shorter than the rest.
This month I...
Photographed some of my favourite stuff and drank a lot of coffee.

Fled the floods.

Harmonized with nature.

Had some interesting new friends visit.

Went shopping. A lot!

Hung out with friends.

Did some embroidery and bought a new quilt.

Enjoyed and laughed at my fur babies antics.

What did you do this past month?

Brown Paper Packages...

Owl be seeing myself in this lovely vintage owl mirror I bought on etsy. I'm totally in love and it fits right into my collection!

Dec in Instagram

1. Peter-Pan just chillin'. 2. Trip to the beach. 3. Homemade Xmas Cake. 4. Roses. 5. Making Xmas Lunch. 6. Lizard-sitting Leelo the bluetongue for a friend. 7. Xmas decorations. 8. Xmas presents opened (owl score!) 9. Tawny half awake. 10. Owl jewelry stand. 11. Celeste. 12. Pretty Sunset.

Oh - Aussie - Christmas Tree

42'c today. No way was I going to struggle with that big heavy pine tree.

So I resort to my backup aussie tree instead.

Much better suited for a Christmas in the sweltering heat wave we're having. Attach owls, Australian fauna baubles from Target and some newly thrifted ornaments.

 Add some other birds, some lights and a few more bits and pieces and it's done!

Time to sit back and enjoy...

Have you put your tree up yet? Let me know when you have photos on your blog and I'll make my way over to see it!

DIY Hurricane Candle Holder

I found some great owl napkins while out shopping a week ago. I bought a pack and set them in a drawer until I could decide what to make with them.
May I introduce my handmade cheap-as-chips hurricane candle holder!

What you'll need: 

• Paper napkins of your choosing.

• Mog Podge Matte finish or a clear-drying glue.

• A glass jar of your choosing (make sure the opening is large enough for heat to escape).

• An embellishment like ribbon or twine.

• One tea-light candle.

 Instructions:

1. Open your paper napkin and cut the picture to fit around the jar. Peel off the two layers of plain paper on the back of the napkin so it's tissue paper thin.
2. Mod Podge your glass jar all the way around then gently lay the napkin onto the glue and press into position.
3. Wait to dry then gently apply a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the napkin, taking care nto to tear it.
4. Once dry, add your final embellishment to the top of the jar. I used twine and tied it into a bow.
5. Put your candle inside and light it.

Viola! Your very own customized hurricane candle holder!

Beware, never leave candle alone while burning. Do not leave alone with children. Glass may get hot.