the big reveal

This is perhaps the most revealing post I've done to date...and no, before you ask, there will be no shots of those previously mentioned unmentionables : )

As promised, here is a shot of my new tattoo - and me! And my favourite black bird dress.

So now you know...

More photographs over at My Flickr.

EDIT: Thank you to everyone who provided ideas and suggestions on my previous tattoo post. Your advice was super helpful - I'm already planning my next tattoo! I'm still keen on a needle and thread on my foot - but might wait until this one heals before I go back for more : ) 

AND AGAIN: I'm clearly not 100% here today. I also forgot to mention that the ink work was done by Jess from Fox Body Art in Collingwood. And while I'm here, I might as well mention that my hair was recently styled by Mario from Fluff Hair, who are right next door. I think that's all. 

sunday stash: more ink & spindle love

It seems I am quite predictable when it comes to buying fabric - if it has houses, trees, or birds on it, and is red, then it is coming home with me. 

These were all designed by the talented Lara Cameron, and as soon as I get off this laptop they will be chopped up to make some new envelope clutches. But before that I may need to look at them a moment longer, all neatly folded and looking gorgeous. I sometimes get a bit sad when I have to cut into new fabrics, how I ever get anything done is beyond me.

And for all of you who are wondering - yes, I got my new tattoo! And yes, there should hopefully be a photo posted later today if I can figure out the self timer on my camera... 

field trip: ink & spindle textile studio

Today Penny and I went on an excursion to the delightful Ink & Spindle screen-printing studio. Armed with fresh baked cupcakes and chocolate brownies, we arrived for morning tea with Lara and Teegs, to be followed by a spot of fabric shopping. 

Morning tea became quite a social affair when we were joined by Sandra (from Pepperberry & Co) and Jem and Laura (from Like Butter). Sandra had also brought along this cute little guy (or girl?) to the squeals of delight from all of us girls.

After morning tea Penny and I were allowed to hunt through all the gorgeous fabrics...time just flies when you're having fun and before we knew it the time was 2pm! Food was in order so we all headed out to Grigons & Orr in North Melbourne for a 'business' lunch.

Photo credit: Lara Cameron

Back to the studio and it was time to make the tough decisions. Scissors in hand Penny and I made our fabric selections as the sun began to set outside. 

Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday, I wish every day could be filled with cupcakes, friends, bunnies, fabrics, and lazy lunches in North Melbourne cafes. Thanks Lara and Teegs for having us to visit!

dear readers...i need your advice...

Ok creative geniuses that I know you are - I am in need of some artistic advice! This Thursday I am getting a new tattoo, but I keep changing my mind as to what I want to get done. I possibly should have been 100% decided before I paid my non-refundable deposit, but the wheels are in motion so before I commit I wanted to gather a few opinions.

So, I have narrowed it down to two options. 

Option 1: A sewing needle and thread on my foot. Possibly with some buttons around it. Am undecided about the buttons - will this be too much? 

Option 2: Buttons on the inside of one wrist. Sewing needle and thread on the inside of the other wrist. 

What does everyone think? Where else are good locations for tattoo's? Keeping in mind I already have one on my back (I may reveal this to you at some stage!). And I have also crossed my shoulder/chest off the list after discussions with some friends. I want something visible, a bit fun, but not too obvious. 

Let the discussion begin : )

EDIT: Just spied this great button tattoo on Flickr - the chest is back as an option!

sunday stash: russian dolls

Russian dolls + horses + the colour red = one of my new favourite fabrics! 

Already made into pencil cases for the upcoming Sonny & Coco market. Wallets and perhaps a clutch purse to come. Too cute!

Want to play along? Read all about Sunday Stash over at 1/4 of an inch.

a few of my favourite things: afternoon picnic - vintage style

Some favourite Etsy finds for those of us dreaming of warmer weather and afternoon picnics in the sun.

1. polka dot ring 

2. picnic basket 

3. red and white polka dot dress 

4. french vintage tumblers 

5. peep toe vintage heels 

6. 1950's icecream scoop

sunday stash: on a thursday?

Well, we could look at this either way - I'm posting my Sunday Stash fabric 4 days late, or 3 days early. I think the latter works more in my favour...

I went on a bit of a shopping spree at Amitie this week - this is one of the gorgeous new prints I picked up. I'd been eyeing this off online for weeks, and it is even more lovely in real life.

Perhaps this Sunday I'll show you some more of my new stash, if I am organised enough! 

an inspiring weekend

Woah. What a huge weekend! 

It all started yesterday morning when I set off for the Sisters Market. Car fully stocked. Gumboots on. Warm scarf at the ready. The market was a busy mix of sales, chatting to all my lovely customers and blog readers, a spot of knitting, and a tiny bit of shopping. Thank you to everyone who stopped by my stall to say hello - I loved catching up with you all and it was really rewarding to hear your feedback. 

I had intended to go straight home after the market and get an early night, but instead I detoured to my good friend's house for 'one' drink. One drink turned into a few glasses of red wine plus dinner plus lots of great conversation. Thank you Erin & Co for a lovely night! 

This morning I was up at 5.30am (crazy!) to get ready for the Melbourne Design Market. What a fantastic day! Being surrounded by so much talent (and most of it local) is so inspiring. I finally had a chance to meet the Ink & Spindle girls, whose stall looked amazing as always. I also got to meet many of my favourite bloggers/crafty gals including Penny from Pocket Carnival, Amy from Moyou, and Franziska from Lyptis. I wish I had taken my camera along to capture the day but I was too sleepy this morning to remember it!

Speaking of sleep, before I head off to bed I have a few promises to fulfill : )

I finally finished my inspiration blackboard, and thought today would be a good time to share it with you.

I was also asked to compile a short report on the gumboots : ) I have worn them for a total of 27 hours this weekend (and have been on my feet for most of that time) and am pleased to report that they were very comfortable. Plus my feet were toasty warm all weekend. The gumboots get a big tick of approval.

Goodnight zzzzzzzzzzzzz.  

i heart this

image copyright jordis, found via ishandchi on Flickr

Just wanted to share!

to market to market

image by Dan Anderson via Flickr

It's going to be a busy weekend...not only do I have a stall at the Sisters Market this Saturday, I'll also be working at the Design Market in Federation Square on Sunday! I'll be running the Kikki K stand, so if you are heading to the market please pop by and say hello! I'll be wearing the red glasses. It's looking like being a freezing day, so if you come with a hot chocolate I'll be your best friend : ) Lemonade welcome also. 

Hm, I wonder if my new boots are designer-ish enough to wear at the Design Market. 

moove on over

There is a new addition to my wardrobe!

Some of my dearest friends would be only too happy to tell you that I am not the most practical person when it comes to footwear. Until now I have been a strict ballet flats only type of girl, with the occasional sandal in Summer. But ballet flats are not the best choice of footwear for cold, wet Melbourne winters.

Today I popped in for what was meant to be a quick visit with Miss Claude at Claude the Bird. She had some great new Winter stock and these boots in the window caught my eye. Now, I do love a good boot, and had been planning to hit the shops for some this week. While we were chatting a customer came in and tried some on - they looked so good! I had to try a pair. An hour and a half later I was still pacing up and down the shop in these boots trying to convince myself I needed them. Thankfully Miss Claude is one very patient shop keeper. 

Anyhow, long story short - these are my new boots from MooveCulture. They are rubber gumboots (great for splashing about in puddles on the streets of Melbourne) and they are lined with 100% lambswool to keep your feet snug and warm. Mine are a lovely shade of green. I think I might wear them to the Sisters Market this Saturday.

To balance this very practical purchase, I also bought some not so practical but a little bit sexy lingerie - it's frilly, very girly and has red polka dots. Because we can't be practical all the time. And before you ask, no, I won't be posting a photograph of the lingerie. And no, I won't be wearing it with the gumboots. Well, probably not.

tweet

I've given in and signed up to Twitter. If you would like to know what rabbit & the duck are up to you can follow us here. I'd love to say there will be lots of 'exciting adventures' to tell you about. But most likely there will just be 'somewhat interesting everyday activities' or even more likely 'random things we are doing'. Aren't you curious?

sunday stash - if you go out in the woods today...

... you might find the newest addition to my fabric stash - this cute little red riding hood print.

Found a long way from home in Amitie.

a tissue, a tissue, we all fall down

image by dommie via Flickr

In a perfect world, today I would be enjoying my day off by:

• Spending some time creating new items for Rabbit & the Duck
• Getting out to enjoy the lovely sunshine in Melbourne today
• Finishing my inspiration board and blogging about it
• Perhaps a spot of baking in the afternoon

Instead, I am cozied up on the sofa with a blanket, a big pile of old magazines, my laptop, and a box of tissues. I have succumbed to the winter cold or flu that I have been trying so hard to avoid. No amount of Vitamin C will save me now.

To give you an idea of the extent of my ailment picture this scenario: You have been waiting for new fabric to arrive in the post - you hear the postman pull up - an hour goes by and you are still sitting on the sofa, trying to find the energy to go and check the mailbox. Because to do that would involve brushing your hair and getting out of your PJ's, two things that seem beyond your capabilities right now. 

I wonder if I can hold out until the cover of darkness? Or should I just get over the whole 'need to look presentable to go out in public' thing and make a run for it? 

i shouldn't be doing this, but...

I'm going to show you the new linen zip pouch I've been working on! This one is actually a gift for someone, so I feel a bit naughty posting it here, but the gift recipient is not expecting it, so I thought I could get away with it. I hope you're not over the apple fabric yet. I also whipped up a little bird softie this afteroon, with the apple print as the wings. Cute! 

As soon as I stock up on zips, I will be making more of these pouches. It's hard to tell from the photo, but it's a lot larger than the normal cases I do. This one measures 25cm x 18cm - perfect to keep all your stuff secure inside a larger bag. Matching linen journals are also on the drawing board...

Speaking of drawing boards (hm, no pun intended?) I've been wanting to make myself a new inspiration board to hang above my work table. Yesterday I ventured in to Bunnings and bought myself some MDF, some hooks, and some blackboard paint! I've just put the first coat on and will hopefully be able to reveal the finished product on Friday once everything has dried and I've attached everything. The plan is to have hooks down the side so I can attach some string to peg my stuff to. I've also bought some bigger hooks which I'll put across the bottom, so I can hang things off like my orders, bills to pay etc. It will be so great to be organised! Currently all my orders and ideas are scribbled onto various bits of loose paper and in random notebooks, I'm sure I'm going to lose something if I'm not careful. 

Hm, time to open a window I think...the paint fumes are getting a bit strong in here!

yes, it's something new from rabbit & the duck!

It's certainly been awhile since I've unveiled any new crafty things on this blog. I almost didn't get a chance to photograph these today - when I stepped outside it started raining! I quickly snapped a couple of pics and dashed back in to the warmth of my living room.

These are some of my favourites - I'm totally loving the new apple fabric, and of course, the tape measures don't need any introduction here.

These magnet sets and more will be available at the upcoming Sisters Market on June 13. I only have a few sets left, but not to worry, I've just ordered another 200 self-cover shells so there will be no shortage of magnets at future markets!