RedAgape featured on Recycled Interiors

Posted on March 4, 2014 by redagapeblog

It was pretty exciting to have RedAgape Guesthouse featured on Recycled Interiors last week. Helen Edwards is passionate about homes with heart and i was honoured to have been invited to share my house on her blog.

Her site is perfect for anyone wanting inspiration and styling ideas using recycled items and materials. I’m so proud that RedAgape is full of character filled pieces that i’ve sourced from various locations, often saving them from landfill.

You’ll find my feature here and all sorts of inspiration throughout her blog.

Thanks Helen!

RedAgape Guesthouse Open for 2014 – Millthorpe

Posted on February 13, 2014 by redagapeblog

RedAgape Guesthouse is open for 2014. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away in historic Millthorpe now is the time to consider booking. The self contained guesthouse consists of 6 bedrooms, sleeping up to 11 people, making it the perfect accommodation for larger groups. It is ideal for girls’ weekends away and is surrounded by wineries, boutiques, gift shops, cafes and fine dining.

This gorgeous 1890s bluestone foundation house has been beautifully renovated and extended into a large, welcoming home. Many guests have described it as their ‘home away from home’. The house has been lovingly decorated with vintage treasures and each room is a pleasure to explore. Situated in the heart of the town, this delightfully quirky guesthouse is within walking distance to all that Millthorpe has to offer.

Luxury linen, bath towels and guest treats all supplied.

Click here to go to our booking page

7 Vignettes Paris Style

Posted on January 31, 2014 by redagapeblog

One – Tea for one in Paris

I’m a little late with this month’s vignettes, but given i’ve been overseas for 3.5 weeks and i’ve just moved house, i did well to even participate this month. I was lucky enough to complete the January edition of 7 Vignettes in Paris. I spent 2 weeks there over Christmas and New Year with my family. Here are my pics – themes are listed beneath.

New – a brand new edition of The Catcher in the Rye

Anniversary – i found this paper cut card at the Christmas Markets in Paris

Favourite Gifts – mostly from Sephora in Paris

Pair – a lovely set of chairs in a Paris apartment

Hangover – too much French champagne can leave you with a hangover

Fresh – macaroons

Head to the Interiors Addict for more information on 7 Vignettes. The next round starts tomorrow!

7 Vignettes with the Interiors Addict for December

Posted on December 10, 2013 by redagapeblog

7 Vignettes with the Interiors Addict on Instagram for December was probably my favourite month yet. The themes were creative and there was a definite focus on being festive! Here’s my round up of images -

1.Giving

2. Twinkle

3. Summer

4. Cheer

5. Red and Green

6. Jolt of Colour

7. Feast
Merry Christmas all! I’ll be taking a break from blogging, but am hoping to be back into it in February 2014. Happy New Year!

Fate, coincidence, serendipity….

Posted on November 27, 2013 by redagapeblog

Are there any true coincidences in life? I think not. Do you believe in fate? I do. Serendipity led us here….our new home.

Vintage paper wreath tutorial

Posted on November 19, 2013 by redagapeblog

I spent quite a bit of time constructing this wreath out of the pages of an old music book. Craft is therapy for me and when times are stressful i find it easy to immerse myself in a project. This paper wreath was no expection. I began this project a few weeks ago, when my Mum was in the final stages of brain cancer. I choose this project because i knew it would be meaningful, for her and me. My Mum’s father, my Pop, introduced me to music at a young age and spent time teaching me how to play the organ. The pages for this wreath are from one of Pop’s music books called 101 Hits for Buskers.

You’ll need – paper, double sided tape, glue gun, stapler, cardboard and string.

Step 1. Making the paper cones. Place two strips of double sided tape on the right hand bottom corner of the page, as per the picture. Fold that corner around to form a cone shape, making sure the upper right hand corner is centred and straight.

Step 2. Peel off the cover of the double sided tape and stick the lower right hand corner down. The taped area should be around the back of the cone.

Step 3. Fold up the base of the cone and staple in place. Continue to make paper cones. Make lots! My wreath has approximately 70 cones. You can make your wreath any size you like, but for intensive therapy, i recommend making loads!! You’ll find yourself getting quicker and more accurate as you go along.

I really like that i can see so many of the song titles sticking out the top. LOVE!

Step 4. Alright, when you think you have enough cones you can begin to assemble your wreath. Cut a circle out of stiff cardboard to use as your base. Heat up the trusty old glue gun and start gluing the cones around the edges. Step 5. Continue to glue the cones, making sure that each layer sits in between the layer before, so that you can see all the cone points. Fill in each layer until the entire cardboard base is covered. I punched a hole through the base and threaded some string through, so i could attach it to the wall.

Here it is all finished and hung in my creative zone in the office. This has been one of my favourite projects and so extremely meaningful to me. I know Mum would have loved it and now every time i look at it i’ll be reminded of her and Pop. Rest in peace Mum. xo

7 Vignettes with The Interiors Addict – November

Posted on November 7, 2013 by redagapeblog

Here is my round up of 7 Vignettes with the Interiors Addict for November. Head to instagram and search #7vignettes to see the inspiring images for the themes – Holiday, Stack, Hanging, Recipe, Soft, Reflective and Paper. Jayde Leeder from Little Paper Lane is the judge for November and i don’t envy her job. Good Luck!

How to make a washi tape heart card

Posted on October 21, 2013 by redagapeblog

We attended my brother-in -law’s wedding over the weekend. I needed a card for them and knowing the couple to be completely down to earth and relaxed, i wanted the card to suit them. It is no secret that i am a fan of washi tape. Who isn’t? Its uses are limitless. Just search ‘washi tape’ on Pinterest, i dare you, and see the massive number of creative projects that people all over the world have completed.

My card is simple but effective and easy to make. You’ll need -

1. cardboard

2. kraft blackboard heart (or another heart as a template)

3. pencil

4. assorted washi tapes

5. scissors
washi tape card outline

Step 1 – trace around the heart template so you have an outline on your card.

Step 2 – stick lengths of washi tape to the heart template. Don’t stick them down too hard because you will need to be able to lift the pieces of washi tape off easily. Keep sticking until the heart is completely covered.

Step 3 - carefully cut off the overlapping bits of washi tape.

Your heart template should look like this.

Step 4 – Once your heart is covered, very carefully remove the pieces of washi tape and attach them to your card using the pencil outline as a guide.

It is easiest to start in the middle of the heart. Place your first two strips of washi tape in the centre.

And here is the card complete.

And finally, here it is all wrapped up with a bit more washi tape and string. I used the kraft chalkboard heart as a tag, which echoes the theme of the card inside.

The wedding itself was nothing short of stunning! Check out the lantern lit tent where we dined on delicious, simple and hearty food. And finally, a pic of the gorgeous couple. Congrats! xo

Why Visit Millthorpe?

Posted on October 17, 2013 by redagapeblog

Why wouldn’t you visit Millthorpe? Millthorpe is located between Orange and Blayney, in country New South Wales. It is a gorgeous little village classified by the National Trust. With a stunning backdrop of gently rolling hills and Mount Canobolas, you really do feel like you have stepped into another time, with ornate heritage buildings, cobblestone roads and veranda lined streets. A destination where you can truly escape from the stress and worries of life – unwind, relax, refresh!

There are so many entertainment, food and shopping options to be found in Millthorpe. Fine dining, boutiques, cafes, antiques and wine tasting are all just steps away. Of course, you may decide to do nothing at all. Only 3.5 hours from Sydney and Canberra it is ideally situated for a weekend away. The RedAgape Guesthouse itself is literally steps from Millthorpe’s main street Pym, which means an easy walk home after dinner and wine.

Millthorpe is close to local wineries, Orange and other historic towns like Carcoar and Blayney, which means your options for entertainment are endless. It all depends on how you wish to spend your time. The choice is yours. And where to stay? RedAgape Guesthouse is the perfect choice.

Before and After – The parlour living room after the big makeover!

Posted on October 1, 2013 by redagapeblog

While I was painting the parlour at RedAgape last week, I remembered that I hate painting! I painted the entire inside of my home a few years ago, and I swore I’d never do it again. I guess, like childbirth, the pain of it disappeared quickly and my promise to never paint again was forgotten. The pain of it started to return when i began preparing the parlour for its makeover. The prepping and cleaning time involved with painting is easily equal to the time spent actually painting. Prepping is very important, crucial really, and it’s a big part of why I hate painting. The taping up of skirts, doorways and windows, as well as covering furniture and floors, is super time consuming.

parlour makeover before and after Here are my top tips for painting -
1. If you can afford it, hire a painter to do the job for you. No, i’m not joking.
2. If you choose to paint yourself, prepping is crucial for a quality finish and less mess. Use drop sheets and take the time to tape up properly.
3. Don’t paint at night, especially dark colours. After an undercoat and two coats of navy I thought I was finished. Unfortunately, the next day in the morning light I could see a few patchy areas and I knew another coat was needed.
4. Use a cutting in tool for the edges. This saves soooo much time and gives a nice clean edge. I used one of these when I painted years ago, but I forgot this time around. I used it for the final coat and i was kicking myself for not using it sooner.
5. Wear old clothes and a head scarf. I’m still picking blue paint out of my hair five days after the final coat.

Okay – whinging over. As much as I dislike painting I do love how paint can completely transform a room. I love the new colour in the parlour. It really feels like it was always meant to be a dark and cozy room. I’m planning on adding more wall decor behind the lounge, but for now I’m completely happy with the outcome. Not to mention, just plain thrilled I’m finished.

I really love the gold wall decor against the dark navy. There were so many beautiful rooms on pinterest that used the gold and navy combination. You can see other rooms here. I’m going to add more wall decor behind the chesterfield (as i find treasures) to create a wall display.

This old gold framed convex mirror is definitely one of my favourite things in the room. I love the way it reflects the opposite side of the room almost in entirety. I was pleasantly surprised with how the chesterfield looked against the dark navy. I think they compliment each other nicely. With the gas fire now installed the parlour is now a cozy and inviting room to relax in during the evening.

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