Style for Life - craft, decor, interiors and a guesthouse

We have a winner! #craftastherapy

Posted on March 1, 2015 by redagapeblog

We have a winner for the #craftastherapy gratitude giveaway. A big congratulations to Ryane from @olivesandpickles for her entries into the giveaway. Ryane regularly posts beautful crochet images under the #craftastherapy tag and is a worthy winner. The following two … Continue reading →

Gratitude Giveaway for #craftastherapy

Posted on February 22, 2015 by redagapeblog

I have put together a gift of thanks for one lucky crafter who posts to the #craftastherapy feed on Instagram this week. One crafter will be gifted everything you see in this image – all you need to do to … Continue reading →

Annie Sloan and Mr Darcy – a romantic chalk paint makeover

Posted on February 13, 2015 by redagapeblog

I am so excited about my very first Annie Sloan chalk paint makeover! I have seen so many fantastic furniture makeovers online and read a great deal of positive reviews that I’ve been wanting to try it out for a … Continue reading →

{My Houzz Articles} Easy Valentine’s Day Ideas

Posted on February 9, 2015 by redagapeblog

My latest article on Houzz is all about easy and affordable ideas for Valentine’s Day. Simply click on the image below to visit Houzz Australia.

Fun Ideas for Fabric Stickers

Posted on January 30, 2015 by redagapeblog

I discovered fabric stickers a little while ago and fell in love with them. They are so pretty and practical, which are my favourite two words when it comes to craft. I found these gorgeous crafty items online at Dailylike. Have you heard of them? I promise you this is an unsponsored post! I just adore the Dailylike store. You MUST visit their online store for a sticky beak. It’s a crafter and gift wrappers dream….i really had to restrict myself to items i needed….yeah, that’s right, i NEEDED fabric stickers. :) My first fabric sticker project was to cover my iPad. Actually, i covered my iPad cover. It was bright pink and while i like pink, i wanted something a little more unique and i really, really don’t like paying for expensive iPad covers. And this way, when i get bored of this design i can just recover it again, at the fraction of the price of a new iPad cover. I had a few sheets of stickers to play with so i prettied up this boring clipboard and attached it to my pegboard. I change my pegboard often and add new inspirational quotes or work related lists (boring) to my clipboards, so this will be perfect for when it is hanging bare in between new attachments.Fabric stickers are ideal for covering daggy old containers and glass jars. The oval container was the packaging of a gift i received from a friend. I didn’t want to throw it away, so i covered it in matching fabric and now i’m keeping all my pens and pencils stored in it. I also dressed up an empty glass jar that i use for storing my paint brushes. With some of the smaller scraps i cut out shapes and decorated some of my paper bags. There are so many uses for this versatile craft item. And i love that i was able to use the scraps for smaller projects, so that there wasn’t any waste. Yay!Finally, i used some of the fabric sticker tape to wrap a loaf of banana bread for a friend. I can’t wait to use more of this tape in my gift wrapping. Please make sure you visit Dailylike and check out their stock – great products and super fast postage. :)

{My Houzz Articles} Tips for Monotone Spaces

Posted on January 26, 2015 by redagapeblog

Check out my article on Houzz Australia, for my top tips on making monotone interiors beautiful and interesting. Just click on the image below.

Features from #craftastherapy on Instagram

Posted on January 21, 2015 by redagapeblog

@littlecosythings makes so many gorgeous characters that feature in the #craftastherapy feed on Instagram

The #craftastherapy hashtag on Instagram is quickly approaching 500 images. I am really chuffed that so many creative crafters are using the hashtag to show off their handmade pieces. Crochet is obviously flavour of the month and fills most the feed, but that’s ok with me. There are some seriously talented ladies who know how to use the hook!! Here is a selection of my favourites from the feed. Enjoy!!

A gorgeous crochet bracelet by @kenjiku_ found in the #craftastherapy feed

A beautiful hand painted ceramic bowl – by @hookedandneedled

A stunning crochet blanket and bag by @winterbeachbymab

Crochet squares in pretty soft shades by @mariam_mim

Handmade woven bowls by @string_harvest

Perfectly crocheted blue and white squares by @maritparit

Please feel welcome to join in the fun and use the #craftastherapy tag when posting your creations on Instagram. It’s a lovely, warm and welcoming community. xx

A #craftastherapy story: Jane Balke Andersen

Posted on January 16, 2015 by redagapeblog

When I contacted Jane to ask her to be my first #craftastherapy story, I really didn’t know that much about her, but I knew she battled a chronic illness and used crochet as therapy. After she sent through her story, I sat down to find some images to accompany her words. The images were easy to find, but I found myself distracted and lost (in a good way) wandering through her social media world. I began to see there was a lot more to Jane than I initally thought.

Yarn bombing by Yarnbombers United – Redfern Railway Station

While her story about her battle with Fibromyalgia is a moving one, her zest for life and generous nature is what struck me as her most defining characteristic. While many people of perfect health live in a constant state of negativity, it is beyond inspiring to see someone like Jane, living with chronic illness and being grateful for every moment.

Jane yarn bombing bike racks in Redfern

You can find Jane in many places online, so please take the time to look her up. You’ll be glad that you did. She’s a member of Yarnbombers United, a small group of creative friends who have completed various yarn bombing projects. You can find her Facebook page here and don’t forget to hunt her down on Instagram! Here is Jane’s story – in her own words.

The Hope Mandala by @maritparit – project to raise awareness of Fibromyalgia

Getting a chronic illness was like waking up on a new planet. Gravity suddenly worked differently and my balance was thrown off. I learnt to adapt to completely unknown situations, daily challenges and the unpredictable. Added to this I had to survive constant pain, exhaustion, isolation, disbelief, insults, experimentation by well meaning doctors and not knowing what my own body was going to do on an hourly basis.

I needed a coping mechanism, a wall of defence and so turned to creative ideas. I painted, sewed, decoupaged, grew herbs in creative patterns, made soft toys, tried aromatherapy, candle making, quilting, card making, stamping, stencilling, baking, cake decorating, scrapbooking, beading, jewellery making, photography, digital art, crochet, yarn bombing and now machine knitting too!

Yarn bombing by Yarnbombers United – Redfern Oval

After more than 2 decades of chronic illness, crochet keeps me going. It is both a creative outlet and a meditation. Craft is my therapy. It saves my sanity and allows me to cope with life, illness and depression. It has also allowed me to meet like minded people in craft groups and in social media. It is a way of connecting with others and expressing your artistic side. I encourage everyone to find a hobby they love. It doesn’t matter if you are good at it or not, as long as you enjoy it. Get creative!

Rainbow Tree and Land Tree at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence (NCIE)

You can find Jane Balke Andersen on –

Thank you so much Jane for taking the time to share your story! xo

Recycled Interiors – In My Modern Home

Posted on January 12, 2015 by redagapeblog

Are recycled interiors suitable for a modern home? I think so. We moved into our modern home almost 12 months ago and have slowly, but surely been putting our stamp on the place. Even before the boxes had been unpacked, i had decided that i wanted to include my love of vintage and secondhand pieces into our new home. It was suggested that i probably wouldn’t be able to do that in such a modern setting, but i was determined to use some of my existing pieces and find more vintage treasures to include in our modern setting.While i have no doubt that vintage pieces can be used in a modern setting, you do need to be selective and have a good mix of different decor items. I was mindful of the fact that not everything would work, but looking around there are lots of recycled items in my home that look and feel modern. You just have to be careful about getting the balance right. This vintage air circulator (which still works) was the perfect solution for a small side table near the lounge. A modern lamp sitting on top of it, contrasts nicely. And, how to fix a broken lounge leg? With old magazines of course! Okay, it is not the most profession repair job, but it is as solid as a rock and other good form of recycling. My husband already owned a couple of much cherished vintage maps and there was no chance of them being left out of the mix. With many large windows and few blank walls, i was limited to only a couple of places in which the maps would fit. This vintage map of the states hangs proudly in our main living area. Underneath are a couple of vintage crates, used as planter boxes and a gorgeous green french desk. I think the contrast of these aged items works well in a modern setting.A much treasured vintage school desk we already own had to be included in our new home. It works well in the modern setting as the colour of the wood just happens to blend perfectly with our wooden steps. A modern light box, hanging above the desk, maintains the modern feel of the space. My most treasured antique find, an aseptic dental cabinet takes pride of place in our main living area. It has quite an industrial look about it, so it was easy to incorporate into our modern setting. A vintage number three sits atop the medical cabinet – my hubby loves the number three and it doesn’t look out of place here, despite its age and being covered in rust.I love the contrast of my old vintage stool in our sleek and modern bathroom. Being environmentally aware when decorating doesn’t mean your entire home needs to have sustainable design and all recycled furniture (that would be great though). We can all contribute to a more sustainable way of living in small ways. Don’t go out a buy a new stool if a secondhand one will suit your space.My bedroom is decorated in quite a modern style, but i have still included this old vintage trunk in the design. A simple makeover with shiny black paint has brought this trunk to life and given it a modern feel, that fits beautifully into my bedroom.My last recycled find that i wanted to share is this beautifully made coffee table – created with old railway sleepers. This was an absolute bargain on ebay for $50. I love it! I had it in storage when we lived in our previous home because it didn’t suit, but it looks perfect in our new home. Rustic, warm and recycled. What do you think? Can recycled pieces work in a modern home?

Introducing #craftastherapy on Instagram

Posted on January 4, 2015 by redagapeblog

I am really excited to introduce the #craftastherapy hashtag on Instagram. Over the past few years crafting and creating has become a huge part of my life and has helped me get through the toughest of times. I have spoken to a lot of fellow crafters about the benefits of using craft as a method of therapy and so many agree that time spent crafting is relaxing and therapeutic. I have heard many stories about how craft has helped provide stress relief during mental or physical hardship. Whether it is learning a new skill or revisiting a previous hobby, time spent creating is good for the mind and body.
A number of clever, crafty instagrammers have already started using the hashtag. The #craftastherapy feed is filling up with inspirational and beautiful images. I hope to share projects here on the blog from the #craftastherapy feed, so please feel welcome to join in and tag your crafty projects with this hashtag. Or if you’d like to share your story and have a feature of your own, i would love to hear from you. The above sweet stitchery is by Robyn from @shopsewrobyn and is made on a canvas of vintage sheets. Robyn was kind enough to share her story with me – in October just past, she suffered a miscarriage and used her newly acquired skill of hand-embroidery to help her get through the waiting and recovering time. She said, “I could just sit and stitch and think as much or as little as i wanted, and have the comfort/satisfaction of making and completing something beautiful with my hands, even though my body had failed me in other ways at the time”.
This beautiful crochet blanket is just one of the creative images you will find in the #craftastherapy feed. Robyn aka @crochetgirl99 is super talented with the hook and her own feed is full of stunning creations. She calls this project her “summer loving” blanket. This unique weave made by Anna aka @ansies also features in the #craftastherapy feed along with some of her other inspiring projects. Her weaves are like nothing i have ever seen before and feature lots of natural and foraged materials.
The above image is from Chaney, aka @lovemylittlebird – what could be more relaxing than crochet and a cup of coffee?

Please check out the #craftastherapy feed on Instagram and be amazed by the creative and crafty people that are posting under the hashtag. It is a visual feast of crafty projects plus a you will find loads of encouraging and supportive people there.

Christmas Around My Home – the last post for 2014

Posted on December 23, 2014 by redagapeblog

What a wonderful year 2014 has been! I will be taking a blog break until the new year, but i wanted to quickly say thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported me throughout 2014. When i look back over the past year, i can honestly say that i can not remember a time when i was happier. The fresh new start at our property, Melancholy Hill, certainly set the tone for the rest of the year. The guesthouse has been a smashing success this year and with a few bookings already for 2015, i know the next year will be the same. Messages of thanks and happiness fill my guest book at RedAgape Guesthouse and i am so pleased to be able to share the beauty of Millthorpe with others.
I have had so many new opportunities to further improve my photography, styling and writing over the last 12months. Thank you to those who have trusted me to produce good work, despite my lack of formal qualifications. The experience i have gained over the last year has been priceless.
I have so much gratitude for a year of reasonably good health….something i NEVER take for granted. I am also extremely grateful for the good health of all those i hold dear. I hope this continues in 2015.
This year i have finally been able to feel some resolution about losing my mother last year. I think of her everyday and I’m grateful for the pain because it makes me determined to fill every moment with as much happiness and joy as i can muster.
I have loved watching three very special people, my children, grow a little more into totally inspiring human beings. They are so kind, thoughtful, bright and pure. I wish Mum could see how they’ve grown. I am unbelievably proud of them and everything they do.
I have crossed paths with so many like minded people this year, who have encouraged me to follow my dreams and believe in myself a little more. It is so refreshing to be surrounded by creative and inspiring people who want me to succeed. Thank you to those people – you know who you are. xoxox
I also want to say goodbye to Ruby. Our dog of 15yrs was diagnosed with cancer on Saturday and sadly we had to put her to sleep. There were lots of tears on Saturday but we are consoled by the fact she has lived a long life and isn’t suffering anymore. The last year she spent at Melancholy Hill was probably her happiest too.
Finally, Merry Christmas and a Happy new year to my readers. I am looking forward with great anticipation to 2015 – i have so much planned!!!

DIY Christmas Wreath – Ribbon Poinsettias

Posted on December 11, 2014 by redagapeblog

Making your own Christmas wreath is a great craft project to help celebrate the festive season. This tutorial is for a christmas wreath made from ribbon poinsettias. These ribbon poinsettias are easy to make and look beautiful when made from glossy satin ribbon. Here’s what you will need –

satin ribbon – 5cm wide
floristry wire
scissors
a wreath base – of whatever material you like
a hot glue gun
embellishments – bells, bead (optional)

For each ribbon poinsettia you will need to cut three strips of ribbon approximately 15cm long. Cut the ends of the ribbon to form points – you will need to do this for both ends. Fold each strip of ribbon like a concertina: fold in half and then fold the outer edges in opposite directions. Your ribbon should look like a bow tie (see the image above)As you fold each strip thread them onto a pin to hold them in place until you are ready to secure them with wire.
Take a piece of wire, also 15cm long and fold over so it resembles a hair pin.
Put the wire over the centre of the three strips of ribbon and twist a couple of times at the back to make it secure. You can now remove the pin.
Cross over your wires – this is the hardest part. If you look at the image above you can see the wire is attached in three different directions: one straight across (the first step of attaching the wire) and two in diagonally opposite directions. To make your first diagonal, take one of the ends of the wire from the back, separate your ‘petals’ and take the wire up through one pair of divided petals and down through the opposite pair of divided petals. Take the second end of the wire from the back and repeat the same steps on the opposite side. With both wire ends now at the back, give them a final couple of twists to make your flower secure. You can now play with your petals until you have achieved a look that you are happy with. If you want to add beads or bells to the centre of your ribbon flower, simply add the embellishment at the wiring step.

The rest of the ribbon is completed in the same way as the plain ribbon flowers.
I made a lot of ribbon flowers in a short amount of time – enough for two wreaths. It is up to you how you choose to attach your ribbon poinsettias to make a wreath. I added my ribbon flowers to a gold wire hoop using my hot gue gun. A similar method could be used regardless of what you choose for your wreath base.

Here are my two Christmas wreaths hanging in our rumpus room.
And there’s no reason you can’t make these in other colours and use them as gift toppers or hair bows. Join me on Instagram for other Christmas craft activities.

Paper Cone Wreath: Christmas Version

Posted on December 8, 2014 by redagapeblog

Last week I was invited to run a Christmas craft activity for some local carers in our community. Carers are people who look after a friend or family member that is sick, disabled, elderly or mentally ill and unable to cope without support. Most carers are unpaid, work very hard and deal with high levels of stress. They can be any age, come from all walks of life and varying cultures, but one thing they do have in common is that they need a break sometimes.

Paper Cone Wreath made from Vintage Sheet Music

I am extremely enthusiastic about using craft as a form of therapy and tag of lot of my Instagram posts this way – #craftastherapy As a few of you know, I turned to craft in a massive way during 2013 as my mother neared the end of her battle with brain cancer. For me, it was a way to shield myself from the stress when it was getting too much. I’ve always loved craft but #craftastherapy began for me with my first Paper Cone Wreath. You can find an updated tutorial here.

Paper Craft – silhouette heart and Vintage Music Paper Cone Wreath

It seemed fitting that my first Carers Craft Group should start with a Christmas version of my paper cone wreath. The construction is identical to my standard wreath, but a gap is left in the centre to glue Christmas decorations. There are only three rounds, which makes it quicker and easier to construct.

I am really happy with how they turned out and they all looked beautiful hung together in a cluster on this wall.

Please come and join me on instagram and hashtag your craft projects as #craftastherapy I would really love to see any craft activities that you have created to help get you through difficult times.

Craft

Girl Crush – Shani Nottingham from Rare Pear Studio

Posted on December 4, 2014 by redagapeblog

I’ve decided it is time to pay tribute to the wonderful woman in my life that not only encourage me creativity, but inspire me on a daily basis with their talent and generous natures. I am going to call this new series ‘Girl Crush’ and I’m kicking it off with Shani Nottingham from Rare Pear Studio.

I had been following Shani for a little while on Instagram, before I approached her about photographing her home for Central West Lifestyle Magazine. Her IG feed is a visual feast, bursting with creativity and colour, so I was confident her home would be equally as interesting, and i wasn’t disappointed!Shani is a collector, gatherer and curator. Her home is both warm and fascinating. Everywhere you look there is a conversation starter, which is why I spent 5hrs visiting her home…..we talked and talked and talked. It was astounding how much we had in common and I left that day knowing I had made a good friend.

Shani’s collects glass with a passion and it is displayed lovingly throughout her home, adding a rainbow of colour where ever you look. Her pottery collected from op shops and secondhand stores, sit proudly on display atop thrifted or gifted cupboards. There is an abundance of eclectic objects that you don’t expect to be grouped in one room, but it works, and you feel some understanding of how Shani thinks – like a little glimpse into how her mind works.

Kill that Man! The painting over the fireplace was a gift from her husband, before they were married, and has been to every home they have lived in. It’s large, blue and proudly takes pride of place in the centre of the room.
This painted beauty is an original Rare Pear Studio piece, that ties in effortlessly with the rest of the room.
And she paints, draws, makes collages and excels in photography. So much talent wrapped up in one lady! She is allergic to mushrooms, but she is fascinated with them and has mastered capturing them in pencil, ink or paint.
She blogs at Rare Pear Studio Blogspot. There you can enjoy her varied and entertaining posts. Trust me, you won’t get bored. You can follow her Facebook page if you prefer.

Her photography is unique and moving……subjects captured with so much care. You can follow her beautifully captured images on Instagram.
I must say though, it’s her collages that get me! Right in the heart! They are perfectly composed and visually intriguing, so much so that you can’t look away. This one is called Enchanted Forest. And some exciting news – Shani has just launched her website www.rarepearstudio.com.au Pop over for a visit, it’s definitely worth it. xo

Style for Life - craft, decor, interiors and a guesthouse

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