Crochet Star Garland
I found a really easy tutorial for crochet stars on a blog called Jelly Wares. It’s a gorgeous blog and after losing half an hour looking at all the pretty images, i decided to give the crochet stars a whirl! 
The tutorial is brilliant! Nice clear images and instructions, which are perfect for a beginner like me. I was surprised to find myself with a completed yellow star after 30mins (I’m slow, still learning).
I was so chuffed with my first star! It wasn’t too dodgy looking at all! Yay! And now it’s official that i am hooked….addicted. #crochetaddict #starcrochet #ilovecrochet #yarnlover #hookedoncrochet #icantstop
So, yesterday i spent the day in bed with a cold, watching Mr Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) and making crochet stars. I managed to finish my first very first crochet project. :)
Gallery Wall – Bedroom Styling
My daughter and I finished the gallery wall in her bedroom over the school holidays, so I thought I’d share it with you. We had talked about adding a gallery wall for a while, so we had already collected most of the bits and pieces. When we found the watercolour print from IKEA, a couple of weekends ago, we finally felt motivated to get started. 
This is such an affordable way to decorate a wall. We created the large triangle artwork ourselves using paint and washi tape on canvas and the silhouette was from a craft project I started last year.
The Pokemon illustration was drawn by my eldest daughter and most of the other pieces we had already. We also used some washi tape to fill in a couple of the gaps. This is really easy to remove when we get tired of it or find something better to replace it. 
The watercolour IKEA banner is perfect on the wall! But my favourite thing is the pencil illustration above the side table that my daughter drew herself. I love the shading in the hair and bow. 
DIY – Gift Wrapping Ideas
Here are some simple but effective ideas for wrapping gifts. All of these gifts were wrapped and photographed by RedAgape……and then given away with love. :)
Wall Banner Tutorial
Have fun, regret nothing! I made this wall banner for our rumpus room and if you can sew in a straight line, then you can make one too. :) All you need is some fabric, cotton, a rod, decorative thread and a ruler.
Step 1 – Measure and cut your fabric. Mine is 20×27 inches.
Step2 – Mark 10 inches across to find the middle of the base and then mark 10 inches up either side and rule to from two joining lines.
Step 3 – Cut off these excess triangles.
Step 4 – Pin the seams and then iron them flat. I started with the pointed end, then the sides and finally the top. The top is folded down (temporarily) about 4 inches to accommodate the rod.
Step 5 – I inserted the rod and sat the banner between two chairs to make sure it was level. It’s much easier to fix any issues now rather than later.
Step 6 – Sew the seams, making sure you leave the top until last.
Step 7 – Refold the loop for the rod casing, pin in place and then sew.
Step 8 – Hand stitch, using decorative thread, the quote you have chosen.
Finally, insert rod and tie on more decorative thread! All ready to hang! :)
Melbourne Street Art Squares
Layering in Interior Design
Dining Room at RedAgape Guesthouse
When it comes to interior design, layering is all about what we include in a room to make it feel complete. For example – cushions, throws, books, curtains, candles and magazines are all objects we include when we layer our spaces. I believe the most interesting and welcoming rooms are those that have just the right amount of layering.
A bedroom at RedAgape Guesthouse – layered with lamps, books and pictures
Getting that right balance of layers into a room is really important. Too little and a room can appear very cold, clinical and unwelcoming. Or too many layers and a room may feel cluttered and disorganized.
My table at home layered with books and flowers
Ok, so getting the balance right? Firstly, I hate staged rooms. Don’t layer with items that serve no logical use in a space. Don’t sit a lamp on the dining room table if you don’t intend to use it, or coffee table books in the kitchen unless you plan to read them. When layering occurs organically then it’s more likely to look natural. I’ve added lamps to both side tables in this bedroom along with reading material, layered with purpose.
Layered bedroom at RedAgape Guesthouse
Try using different patterns and textures in your layering, but make sure there is a connection between layered objects. The striped throw on this bed adds interest with a contrasting pattern to the florals, but works well because the green stripe ties in with other green elements in the room.
The Parlour at RedAgape Guesthouse
Layering with cushions! Ahh…my favourite type of layering. A lounge with no cushions is so boring and sad. Once again, try mixing patterns and textures. It’s been suggested that you shouldn’t have cushions in the same fabric that match your lounge. While I agree, it’s hard because lounges are often sold with matching cushions. I think the only exception to this rule is when the cushions serve as a structural component of the lounge.
A coffee table at RedAgape Guesthouse
And don’t forget your coffee and dining room tables! Add books, flowers and coasters with different heights and textures. A layered coffee table is a warm and welcoming invitation to come on in, sit down, and make yourself at home.
My Home – dining table styled with candles, antlers and flowers
Succulents in Copper Pots – DIY
I’m seeing copper everywhere in home decor right now and it’s hard not to jump on the band wagon when it looks so pretty and shiny. I couldn’t believe my luck when I found these old copper baking tins at the secondhand store for $3 each. I almost laughed when the lady behind the counter asked me what I was going to bake? Succulents? Haha! 
I’m not ashamed to admit that I don’t have a green thumb. I’m good at lots of things, but keeping plants alive isn’t one of them. I do like greenery in the house though, so I’ve learned over the years to choose my plants carefully. On the plant tag it describes succulents as ‘the ultimate fashion statement’ and ‘thrives on neglect’. Bingo! I’m excellent at neglecting plants. Succulents need good drainage, so mixing your potty mix with sand is a great idea. Unfortunately, as I said, I don’t have much of an idea when it comes to plants, so I purchased some ready made succulent mix. 
Before I started planting I gave my new (old) tins a quick clean and polish. I was lucky that they were in really good condition, so they didn’t need much cleaning. Next, I filled the tins with the special succulent soil. You can see from the picture how the soil looks a little sandy. 
Another great thing about succulents is that you often get more than you pay for. The plants I bought had a few new baby plants growing off to the side. Yay! I split up my succulents and placed them in position, filling in around them with more soil until they were stable. I recommend using gloves as the spikes on the mini cactus are really sharp! 
Once all of my succulents were positioned securely, I topped them up with some little black pebbles. I choose black because I like the contrast between the black, copper and green. 
Finally, I gave them a little spritz of water to help them settle in. I love how they have turned out! I feel all inspired to clean off and polish up my grandmother’s copper boiling pot that is sitting neglected in the shed. :) 
Wise Words from Mary Dunbar
Little Cloud Pillows – DIY
These cloud cushions are the perfect rainy day craft activity. Quick and easy, which is exactly how I like to craft. These pillows are so cute and cuddly! For these cushions you’ll need -
*White polar fleece – the amount depends on what size cushion you want to make.
*Small piece of pink polar fleece
*Black wool
*Pink cotton
*White cotton
*Needles
*Scissors
*Sewing machine – or you can hand sew the entire project
*Small black buttons 
Step 1 – Make the cloud pattern. Draw the size/shape of the cloud you want onto cardboard. Take your time doing this as it is important to get the correct shape. Cut out the cloud shape. This will be your template. Fold your polar fleece in half and using sewing chalk trace around your template onto the fabric. Cut around your cloud shape making sure to leave a 1cm seam allowance all the way around. You will have two cloud shapes, one will be the front the other the back.
Step 2 – sew the eyes (black buttons) onto the front piece making sure they are positioned symmetrically.
Step 3 – Using the black wool, sew the mouth with a generous back stick. You make want to draw a rough outline onto your polar fleece for a guide.
Step 4 – cut two small circles from the pink polar fleece to form the cheeks of your cloud. Using the pink cotton and a back stitch attach the cheeks just under the eyes.
Step 5 – place your cloud pieces right sides together and sew around the cloud stopping with about 2inches left open. This is the opening to insert the stuffing.
Step 6 – Clip carefully around the edges so that when turned right side out the seam with sit nice and flat. Turn right side out.
Step 7 – STUFF IT! I used special biodegradable, recycled PET stuffing. This is low allergic and so friendly to our environment. To finish, stitch up the opening.
Step 8 – I used a curved needle to assist with creating a nice smooth closure.
Step 9 – Cuddle your finished clouds. 
I was so happy with this one that I made some babies for the mother cloud. They are all so soft, cuddly and cute! These little clouds have been living with a very special boy over the last few months. He’s a cloud lover just like his mum. Xo
