Jettas Nest

Is home where the heart is?

2012-01-29T09:46:00.001+10:00

(the view from my front door)

Someone I know recently said something about my home. Not in a mean way mind you but in a roundabout way they implied that my home is a little bit crap. They'd recently decided that no one 'has it all' and used me as an example saying that even with my great stuff ie great kids, great husband etc, etc, I had no great home to enjoy it all in.

It got me thinking. It got me thinking because often I feel like my home isn't so great too. I get embarrassed by it. I get embarrassed to say that I live in a shed (sorry, shouse) and sometimes, well pretty much all times I don't invite people over because of it. Me who cares not what others think, cares what others think about my home.

I thought about it quite a bit when I heard this little titbit of gossip and I thought about what makes a home great. Is it granite benchtops, a rumpus room (which usually don't see much rumpusing) and a massive bathroom sink or is it memories and laughter and the occasional cobweb in the toilet?

One day, when our house is finished, will I look up here at our old shouse and miss it just a little? Probably not so much but what I do know is that this little shouse of ours is more of a shome than I realised.

What do you think? What makes your house a home?

A work in progress...

2012-01-22T09:50:00.002+10:00

It's all happening in the nest at the moment.

The boys are building another chook-pen for some new ladies joining us soon. This one is big with a capital B and will be home to about 15 lucky chickens.

Things are moving along on the house. The slab will be down soon...I can hardly wait!

Surrounding all this hustle and bustle are the trees we planted years ago, once tiny seedlings, now full of colour.

Mumma made....

2012-01-20T20:16:00.001+10:00

So often with markets and etsy and everything else on my plate, I forget to make time for some mumma made goodies for my own little monsters.

You can't really go wrong with baby pants though can you? I mean they take 15 minutes or so to whip up and are cutie-patoot not to mention a fantastic way to use up some of the fabrics I've been saving for my 'just in case' baby girl.

I use a very basic one piece baby pants pattern so they're not only quick but kind of fun (I love sewing up the leg seams in a big U shape!). I even whipped up little Xanadu a pair of denim pants the other day...denim with red polka-dot cuffs!

Then there's a bit of boy sewing. Littlest boy is the biggest fan of mumma-made shorts ever so when I saw this amazing Japanese fabric that the very lovely Mel from Kimono Reincarnate was destashing I grabbed it without hesitation....and here's the results.....

I wish there were more hours in the day or more days in the week for more mumma-made sewing....it really is my favourite kind.

Feelin' Crafty...

2012-01-16T10:18:00.001+10:00

Where has the time gone? It's already mid January...kids are nearly back to school and the little babe is already 5 months old!

There's been very little making going on lately but a few of my Christmas gifts have inspired me to get back into it. I was a very lucky girl this year. Mr Jetta's Nest gifted me with a beautiful set of Faber Castell Polychromos pencils......eeeek! I can not wait to use them. I've played with them a little and their the absolute nicest pencil I've ever, ever used. I also was given a nice little stack of my favourite drawing pens and loads and loads of sketchbooks and artist paper. Yes....I was super spoiled!

Anyways...here's a little something I knocked up last night. Littlest brother and I have been in negotiations for quite some time about this girl. We've planned adventures for her....maybe even a sidekick and of course she has plenty of cheesy sayings.............so without further ado, let me introduce to you.......Craft Girl - she's got it all stitched up!!

How's your new year proceeding so far? Is it tumbling along as quickly as mine is right now??

Building...

2011-12-22T16:04:00.000+10:00

....a gingerbread house. Flat-pack from Ikea. It didn't look so good and it didn't taste nearly as good as homemade but hey, it was up in 5 minutes and then down in about 2!

Nimble little fingers stealing adorments

I'd love to make a beautiful one from scratch....I'm pretty sure it'll never happen though. Have you ever made a proper one or even a flat-pack that looked ace?

{this moment}

2011-12-16T16:00:00.002+10:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

This week I've decided to play along...you can see more moments caught in time here.

The 4 Gift Guide...

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000+10:00

This is great! I found it here and they found it here.

Ketchup!

2011-12-14T09:54:00.000+10:00

Time flies when you're having fun? The holidays are here and it's crazy times in the nest. The boys are busy asking what time they can play Mario Kart and I'm busy telling them there's no way they're playing it at 7am!

I haven't blogged for a while and felt the need to catch-up my little online diary with what's afoot in my world at the moment so here goes.....

4 totes for 4 teachers. I made them in time out of some very sweet Echino fabric that was wallowing away in my stash. I think they like them...I hope they liked them anyways. After such a crazy start to biggest boys Grade One year things sorted out in the end. He even got a Principals Award sticker on his report card. We're so very proud of how far he's come this year! Littlest boys kindy transition statement is a great reflection of who this funny little guy is...sharing, caring and a barrel of laughs!

The Christmas tree is up! As much as I'm usually a big grumpatron about Christmas and over consumption (**yawn**) blah, blah, blah, I do love opening the ornament box each year with the boys. They get so excited to see the robots, bugs, disco balls and other crazy bits and pieces that we hang on the tree each year. This year they chose a fairy ballerina ornament for Xanadu and a Batmobile that plays the 60's Batman tune to add in to the mix.

I'm working on a cute little cardy in my spare, quiet and very rare moments when I get a minute to myself. It's made from a bamboo cotton mix and is sweet and soft to the touch. I'm hoping Xanadu will get some use from it in Autumn and Winter next year.

And now onto the little Miss who takes up my days right now. She's a tiny, sweet, dribbly mix of cuteness and lots of work. I'd forgotten how much time the little babes take up having been blessed with the easiest baby in the world when littlest boy was born. She's unpredictable and predictable all at the same time. She's finally stopped screaming in the car and now enjoys catching up with her little Owl hanging toy who lives above her capsule. I can't wait to see what the next few months bring as she becomes more and more aware of this big new world!

What are you up to these holidays? Any projects on the go? I'd love to hear what you're up to!!

Christmas...decisions, decisions.....

2011-11-16T12:35:00.001+10:00

christmas bauble by jetta's nest

This year I actually feel a little bit into Christmas! It's an odd feeling for me because I'm usually so cranky at all the commercialism and over-consumption that goes along with this time of the year. Maybe it's cos the kids are excited....I don't know but I even bought wrapping paper the other day for the first time ever! I usually use brown paper and twine for all gifts....my biggest boy was a little bit shocked and quite a bit excited!

With 3 weeks left of school I'm in the midst of what to make for teachers decisions. Biggest boy has two teachers and so has littlest boy so with four teachers to make something for I really need to get cracking. Last year I made cookies in a jar which went down a treat but this year there are gluten intolerances to consider and other such foodie things so I'm thinking it's easier to avoid edible gifts this time round.

I'm thinking some totes made out of some of my lovely stash of fabrics, maybe with one of my timber brooches attached (thinking an apple or a pencil). What do you think? What do you make for your little ones teachers?

Xanadu has just woken from her 10 minute slumber......best go see if I can get her back to sleep!!!!

Markets and admitting defeat...

2011-11-09T16:36:00.003+10:00

This Saturday I'll be doing my first market since having Xanadu. Clearly I wasn't thinking straight when I decided to do a market with a 3 month old. Clearly in the 4 years it's been since I've had a 3 months old I've forgotten that they take up A LOT of time!

Anyhoo, this Saturday I'll be at the BrisStyle indie Eco Market...yep! I'm excited to be at a market again and nervous about how Xanadu will cope with being out all day and the early start and feeding her and way too many other things to mention.....

I've managed to squeeze in a little making time lately thanks to a visit from my Mum who watched the Xan whilst I re-aquainted myself with Suzy Scroll-Saw. I made this little fella from an old piece of floor board. He's just the right size to sit nicely on a shelf or a bench!

Oh, yes.....admitting defeat....well I've decided that this will be my last market for the year so I can focus on getting stock to various places (jeepers I've got so much to catch up on) and enjoy my new baby girl and boys as well. I'll be back doing markets next year when things are a little easier! It makes me wonder....what things have you put on hold whilst your tiny ones grow to be a little less tiny?

Please do pop by on Saturday if you're in 'da hood......I'll have the baby with me!!

Oh and before I go, thanks so much for the tricky tricks for tricking tiny girls to sleep. I'm happy to say that she's sleeping very nicely at night now without being held (hip-hip hooray!) but is still a little tricky in the day.

I Quit Sugar..

2011-10-19T07:24:00.001+10:00

rainbow sugar, originally uploaded by stOOpidgErL.

Last week I decided it was time to say goodbye to sugar for the most part. It's day 6 today and I feel so much better for it, it's quite amazing really.

I went cold turkey rather than slowly (I'm all for ripping the bandaid off) and after a nasty headache on day 2 I'm happy to say that now I feel great...heaps more alert, heaps more in control of what I'm eating and heaps and heaps surprised that I've made it this far without any of my favourite sweet treats.

If you're interested you should read this...it's really helpful!

Destashing...to use or not to use?

2011-10-18T12:42:00.001+10:00

Goodness me how time flies! It's nearly time for me to get back into the market swing of things and I'm very excited to say that I'll be doing the BrisStyle indie Eco Market in November!

I've decided that as well as all my handmade goodies that it's time to share a bit of the vintage stash that I've been hoarding for the last couple of years so I'll be having a little fabric and button destash too.

The big pile of as new fabrics were a gift from my Nanna a few years back. She got them from a 90 year old lady who was going into a nursing home. This lady had hoarded fabric for years (sound familiar) and now needed to get rid of it. It's all in mint condition and some even has price tags and stickers still attached.

My button collection was one of my favourite op-shop finds. I happened one day a few years ago to stumble upon a box of dusty old button tubes.....full of buttons....in perfect condition! I was amazed to see the gorgeous bright retro colours still intact whilst the top button was all faded and grimy.

Anyways, I'm thinking it's time to share the love....if I'm not using it then someone else will. No point hanging onto it until I'm an old lady...or is there? What do you think? Do you think the mint old stuff should be locked away and kept or cut up and used?

Fabric designs...

2011-10-05T07:16:00.004+10:00

I'm playing with some ideas at the moment...oh so many ideas floating around in my head. Getting up in the night to feed Xanadu gives me all this extra time to think and sometimes I even remember my ideas in the morning!

I've wanted to design some fabric for absolutely ages and lately I've been playing with a few designs of mine. Big designs and small designs, I'm not sure yet what direction this'll take but it sure is fun!

What do you think? What would you like to see on fabric? I'm thinking monsters might be cute!

Thinking...

2011-10-01T10:25:00.001+10:00

Room to Grow, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I've been thinking about drawing lately and after managing to find a blank piece of paper (the boys are drawing mad so blank paper is rare) I started this illustration and finished it this morning.

I'm wondering if I feel a bit squished. I think perhaps I do. It's hard to slow down. It's hard not to wish time away. I always feel a bit funny with a small baby. A bit lonely but not sad, just different.

I think there might be a series of squished girls.

Oh and while we're here, if anyone has any tricky tricks to trick a tiny girl into thinking their mama is holding her while she sleeps but really she's not, please share.

Happy weekend :)

More on slowing down.....

2011-09-19T15:39:00.001+10:00

IMG_3151, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Things have really slowed down since Xanadu came to town. She loves to be close to me so spends most of the day in my hug-a-bub wrap snoozing in between feeds and short stints of checking out this new world.

The boys are completely in love with her and are full of questions about her 'missing' boy bits and why when she cries are there no tears. When she slips into her dreamtime and her eyes flutter and those little dreamy noises escape her mouth they say 'she's dreaming about milk and boobs again'.

As nice as it is having her so close it's also frustrating having to calm my inner whirlwind, full of creative ideas although I must admit she sleeps through the sewing machine which came in very handy during the book week costume marathon!

I'm itching to get back to the Suzy Scroll Saw and am hoping to get back into my markety adventures in November with some new ideas that have been floating around in my head all year.

On the flip side, being slow has made me sort of enjoy.....wait for it and perhaps sit down......housework, in particular hanging the washing out and washing dishes. Madness I know and perhaps I should see a doctor just to make sure I'm still sane!

It won't be long before I hate the chores and the little girl is running around with her big brothers but until then it seems I'm enjoying being slow.

A little something I've been working on lately.....

2011-08-19T14:13:00.003+10:00

Hi all. Here's a little pic of the special project I've been working on since Christmas! She arrived a little early and a little quickly last Friday night weighing in at a whopping 5 pounds (2.28kg) and measuring 46cm...nearly half the weight of my littlest boy when he was born.

She's very sweet and blissfully sleeps, eats and poops her life away at this stage.

Anyways...just wanted to pop in and update everyone who's shared this journey with me over the last few months. It's been a roller coaster of crossed fingers, waiting, waiting and thumbs ups and I've really appreciated all the kind words and gestures of support that have surrounded me not only from the Brisbane crafty community peeps that I'm lucky enough to call friends but also all my online crafty peeps too!

With that out of the way......I introduce to you, Xanadu (not her real name of course...just her online persona!!)

Slowing down.....

2011-07-20T13:45:00.002+10:00

crochet blanket, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I'm feeling very slow at the moment. I'm not physically very good at this pregnancy gig and seem to develop lots of the uncomfortable side effects along the way including mild gestational diabetes (this is my 3rd time!), swollen hands and feet, back ache, insomnia, indigestion, etc.

I've always wished I could be one of those women who seem to glide through pregnancy glowing and moving with ease by alas the only thing I seem to do with ease lately is sit on my ever spreading butt!

There's only a few weeks left to go and little Xanadu has caught up in growth really well measuring in the 40th percentile at my last scan. I can't believe she'll be here soon and I can't wait to hold her in my arms instead of in my belly...she's getting heavy (well not compared to my last 10 pounder but still!)

Anyways...whilst sitting on my butt every night in front of the telly (I swear I've never watched so much TV in all my days) I've been working on this delicious blanket for my little surprise no.3. I got the pattern over at my favourite crochet inspiration blog, Attic 24 (she makes me want to fill my home with rainbow crochet!).

Oh and by the way...I'm still working on channelling my inner Fonz but my inner Hulk ('don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry') keeps pushing him out of the way. Thankfully I haven't turned green nor shredded any clothes yet and in all seriousness I'm feeling much calmer and more relaxed than I have in ages....still hate fart jokes though which isn't a great trait when you have two little boys!

Channelling my inner Fonz....

2011-07-16T10:34:00.001+10:00

fonzie, originally uploaded by lawntennisnews.

I've been working on ways to be a calmer more serene mummy lately and what better way to do it than channel my inner Fonzie.

It seems to be working quite well so far and I think the boys are a little put off by my lack of reaction to their relentless fighting....followed immediately by being best friends again....followed by another fight....etc....etc....etc.....

Anyone got any tips....how do you stay calm when you feel like exploding? Of course it doesn't help that I'm 34 weeks pregnant and a little bit emotional not to mention completely exhausted but I'm sure where there's a will, there's a way.......heyyyy!

Market stock....

2011-07-06T09:12:00.002+10:00

Jetta's Nest Flutterby top, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

School holidays are a crazy time to try and get ready for a market....although my boys have been quite good lately and apart from a few brief fights they've played well together and given me time to get stuff done.

Here's a little peak at a few of the Jetta's Nest Flutterby tops I've been working on. I just love the fabric in the top picture. It's just so beautiful and in amazing condition!

This one too...gorgeous rich vintage fabric set off by the sweetest little vintage button.

A sweet little vintage sheet version with the cutest little vintage button I got from a fellow BrisStyler at our eco market last year..... and

Aaaaah, does it get any cuter? I've had this fabric for years and always hummed and hahed over cutting it. I'm not sure why cos it's not the most beautiful piece of fabric I've got but man, I'm really happy with this little top....so cute!!

Anyways....if you're in Brisbane on Saturday please do come and say hi! It's my last market until November and I'd love to see you!!

Australian Heat

2011-06-22T09:21:00.004+10:00

There's nothing like being featured in an Etsy Treasury to make you feel a bit spesh. This one is a real doozy called Australian Heat from South Australian Etsy sellers Wood'n'Piece showing off lots of lovely HOT Australian talent and my little pencil brooch too!!

Now....back to the cutting table (aka dining table) to get stuck into some Flutterby tops for the BrisStyle indie Designers Market on 9 July!!!!!

skate deck

2011-06-14T10:23:00.001+10:00

skate deck, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Just thought I'd share a sneaky cheeky peak at my entry to the Surfers Paradise Festival Skate Decksabition 2!

Gotta get it finished today......deadlines looming around every corner at the moment...see you on the other side!!

News and stuff like that....

2011-06-07T16:02:00.004+10:00

If you're in Melbourne and get the urge for an instant Jetta's Nest brooch fix you can now head straight over to Meet Me at Mikes and indulge to your hearts desire! That's right....Jetta's Nest brooches are now stocked there!!

In other fascinating news, Jetta's Nest is in the current exhibition over at papernstitch. There's loads and loads of lovely stuff on papernstitch....give them a visit sometime.

Now for the truly exciting news. I had my 28 week growth scan today and it looks like little Xanadu has had a growth spurt this month jumping from the super tiny 12th percentile to the petite 30th! I'm so happy to know that she's moved forward this month. Apparently she has a nice fat tummy now....I just knew all that vanilla gelato would pay off!!

Waiting...

2011-05-28T19:05:00.001+10:00

Jasper McFluff - BrisStyle Mega Toy Society Drop, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Here's a picture of my contribution to the BrisStyle Mega Toy Society Drop.

My boys and I dropped him in King George Square on Friday afternoon and by the time we packed up and headed home after the BrisStyle indie Twilight Market that night...... Jasper was gone!!!!!

Yay!!!

Jasper McFluff - Toy Society Drop

2011-05-26T10:23:00.002+10:00

Jasper McFluff, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I'm Jasper McFluff. Tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to tied to a tree or something similar in Brisbane City as part of the BrisStyle Mega Toy Society Drop.

If you find me, please take me home and I'll be yours forever and ever.

Skate'n'Rainbows

2011-05-25T13:54:00.001+10:00

Skate'n'Rainbows, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I'm putting the final touches on my stock for the BrisStyle indie Twilight Market on Friday night and just finished up this little wall-hanging on a piece of pre-loved skateboard.

Also....I'm super excited to say that I've been accepted into Skate Decksabition 2 at the Surfers Paradise Festival in July! I can't wait to get my hands on the swanky new skate deck they send me and get painting!!

Is it windy where you are? It's crazy windy here today!

Market Prep and Stuff.....

2011-05-23T11:45:00.001+10:00

Salvaged timber foxy brooch, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I'm slowly but surely getting a few things ready for this Friday night's market in King George Square (The BrisStyle indie Twilight Market to be precise).

I've worked up a few new foxy brooches in some lovely salvaged Red Mahogany. I think they look really feminine in this timber.

I've cut some fresh mushrooms out of some lovely old Brown Pine (the stuff they use to make violin backs from). And

I've given my little whale a makeover. Not sure on this one...what do you think. I know he's quite popular with his small eye and I'll definitely keep making them that way too but I like him with a big eye, all googly and looking about!

I was planning on cutting some mobiles today but it's just not working for me. Cutting thick timbers requires a lot more effort and the vibrations and extra dust just don't feel right while little Xanadu is still bouncing around in my tum.

On that note too...just in case anyone would like a Xanadu update....she's doing great and I'm 26 weeks now. She's very tiny compared to my boys and I'm having monthly growth scans at this stage to keep an eye on her growth and make sure she stays on her own little curve which she's done so far. Everything else looked really good at my last growth scan (blood flow etc) and she's an active little treasure that's for sure so fingers crossed she keeps growing well cos I can't wait to meet her!

4

2011-05-22T19:57:00.001+10:00

littlest boy is 4, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Littlest boy turned 4 on Saturday! It's quite exciting because for some weird reason it feels like he hasn't had a birthday in years....like he's been 3 for the past 4 years or something.

Anyways, we had a fun weekend filled with a trip to Underwater World (littlest boy loves this place so much), a birthday picnic, a few precious presents and birthday cake with family.

My littlest boy is such a sweet, generous and loving little creature. I've never met anyone like him before and I'm so happy to be his mum!

My Creative and Very Messy Space

2011-05-12T12:08:00.000+10:00

My next market will be the BrisStyle indie Twilight Market on May 27 and with the BrisStyle Mega Toy Society drop happening this month as well, I'm madly trying to build up some stock of Monstuffies!

Growing baby no.3 (who we're fondly referring to as Xanadu for the timebeing) has made me quite lazy and I really can't be bothered sewing at night so I'm trying to cram in as much sewing as I can in the day.

Here's what I've been doing in the past couple of days.....

Monstuffies fronts cut from my stash of pre-loved chenille.

Making eyeballs.

Sewing on eyes, tummy pockets and horns.

Hoping they turn out as cute as the last batch!

For more creative spaces head on over to Our Creative Spaces!!

Mothers Day..

2011-05-07T11:01:00.001+10:00

Making Babies.., originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Wishing all the lovely Mums and Mums to be out there a sweet and loving Mothers Day for tomorrow. May you all get to dine on a fabulous breakfast of choice followed by some perfect behaviour with listening ears turned up nice and loud.

I'm no Sweetheart...

2011-05-06T11:16:00.002+10:00

Candy hearts, originally uploaded by KM Anderson.

So this morning while doing grocery shopping the checkout chick who was young enough to be my daughter (if I'd had her when I was 15) proceeded to call me 'sweetheart' on not one but two occasions.

Pretty much I'm not a fan of being called any 'terms of endearment' by strangers. This includes but is not limited to darls, darlin', sweetie, honey, hon etc. I pretty much am not a fan of them in general cos they're so boring and if you don't know me at all then you really don't have to call me anything.

I confess that I am a fan of more imaginative sweet names and have some for my kids including 'bunnyface' and 'milkyburgers' but you know....they're my kids. Maybe I should have just smiled and said, 'good thanks Sugarplops'.

What do you think about this most interesting topic?

Woodwork...

2011-05-02T15:55:00.001+10:00

violin, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I've been struggling a little with the timber cutting lately. Mainly because it's so dusty and a little bit because it feels a little uncomfortable with my ever growing belly (got some funny looks at the BrisStyle market the other night.....thinking some people might be wondering if I've overindulged in easter eggs!!)

I did manage to cut a few things out last week including this little salvaged Red Cedar Violin and I'm going to try really hard to get some hanging pieces cut this week as well.

On a kind of nerdy wood lover note, Mr Jetta's Nest checked the stash for some more Pecan wood for me this morning and managed to find a nice stack of salvaged Brown Pine instead. Apparently it's quite a rare timber that is used to make violin backs.....I'm quite excited to try it because it looks exactly like Pecan!!

Via Flickr:
Handmade using a scroll-saw from salvaged red cedar and finished with hand drawn details.

www.jettasnest.com

Here's a better picture...

2011-04-28T17:19:00.001+10:00

Fox Brooch on Salvaged Red Cedar, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

of my new foxy brooch.

I've got two of these ready for tomorrow nights BrisStyle indie Twilight Market in King George Square.

If you're in da hood, come say hi :)

Lola and Betty

2011-04-27T12:44:00.001+10:00

lola and betty, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Getting ready for a big night out on Friday night!

I've missed these ladies so it's nice to be making some again after such a long Buttonhead break.

I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe Lola and Betty might even become immortalised as recycled skateboard girls sometime soon!!

Her name was Lola....

2011-04-26T21:25:00.001+10:00

Lola Buttonhead - Old School Series, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Just in time for winter....Lola and a few of her pals will be making an appearance this Friday night at the BrisStyle indie Twilight Market!!

Foxy Red Cedar

2011-04-26T13:34:00.001+10:00

small foxy brooch - salvaged red cedar - eco, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I've finally started doing a little timber cutting again after the long laziness I've enjoyed over the last couple of months (actually since December, but who's counting).

This is a design I worked on a while ago for a little thing littlest brother and I are doing and I was keen to see if it translated into a brooch.....I'm not completely sold on it yet and the photo is terrible but it's not so bad and I think with a bit of tweaking might end up being quite 'foxy'!

BrisStyle's Mega Toy Society Drop!

2011-04-20T10:05:00.002+10:00

Rainbow Dolly, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I'm so very excited to be able to tell everyone about the awesomeness that will abound in around our May market this year.

BrisStyle is joining forces with The Toy Society for a MEGA toy drop in Brisbane and beyond for the whole month of May. Oooooh, it's going to be so exciting!

You don't need to be a member of BrisStyle to be involved, nor do you need to live in Queensland...just check out the BrisStyle blog for all the deets!!

P.S. Stay tuned from some awesome softie softness from some of my favourite markety mates!

Save the Whales

2011-04-15T07:55:00.004+10:00

I just had to share this beautiful Etsy Treasury that I was included in last night. You really should check it out properly, there's so many beautiful whaley items! I particularly love the hand-painted tumblers.

Doodling is....

2011-04-13T11:30:00.000+10:00

....good for procrastinators.

Easter Feaster?

2011-04-12T18:51:00.001+10:00

Costume...., originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I'm not sure about all this Easter business.

I've never been a big fan of holiday's that I don't understand or believe in and I find Easter almost as bad as Christmas (although I do admit to being partial to the odd Hot Cross Bun).

Anyways.....what do you think? Do you do Easter? Do you do the religious side or do you do the Feaster side?

The Reincarnated Kimono Project - Blog Tour

2011-04-10T08:20:00.002+10:00

"Reincarnated Geisha" by Samantha Gilkes of Jetta's Nest, originally uploaded by melanie gray augustin.

Mel has popped up an awesome tour of the exhibition on her Kimono Reincarnate blog.

You can check out all the amazing work from the following artists:

Melanie Gray Augustin - Kimono Reincarnate
Thea Samios - Thea and Sami
Gill Pyke - Catamation
Robyn Dixon - Hot Fudge
Emma Kidson
Chrissy Foreman C
Maiocchi
Rachel Smith - Penelope and Pip
Amelia - Nan's Garden
Kate Allan - Dash Robin
Nicole Lacey
Catherine - Made by Maisie
Stephanie Morris - Wimcee
Danielle Wood - Manx Minx
and me too!

The Reincarnated Kimono Project Exhibition

2011-04-07T07:27:00.002+10:00

Sneak Peek of The Reincarnated Kimono Project Exhibition, originally uploaded by melanie gray augustin.

Tonight is the Opening Night of the Reincarnated Kimono Project Exhibition at Hanasho in West End.

If you're in that neck of the woods in the next couple of weeks you really must check it out.....the artworks are all amazing!

Big thanks to Mel for giving me the chance to participate!!

More Ear-Worm adventures......

2011-04-04T07:30:00.002+10:00

Scooby-Doo, originally uploaded by Unrelated Patterns.

A few of you might be familiar with my ear-worm. Featuring favourites on repeat for weeks on end such as 'Afternoon Delight' and 'Rock out with your cock out' it's hit an all time low this week.

Thanks to my biggest boy my earworm has latched onto the following piece of schoolyard silliness......

Scooby dooby doo, did a poo
Shaggy thought it was candy
Shaggy took a bite, his face turned white
and that was the end of Shaggy

Yes friends, it's good to be me!

Thumbs Up!

2011-04-02T11:34:00.001+10:00

1.26.08 - Thumbs Up, originally uploaded by invisibleElement.

So I just wanted to pop in and let everyone know who's had fingers and toes crossed for me that I got my results back yesterday (after a 3 week wait) and I'm happy and relieved to say that our little creature is perfect in every way!

Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts, it's helped me more than I can say.

Dino beanie..

2011-03-30T11:36:00.004+10:00

dino hat, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

In an effort to distract myself from thinking about my test results (which still aren't ready yet) I've been crocheting....it's a very handy past time when trying to not think about stuff.

Littlest one requested a new beanie for winter so I trawled etsy and found this very cute pattern at Crochet Jolie....bought it....and finished it off just now. He loves it very much and it really shows off his massive round head!!

Thank you and a reincarnated geisha...

2011-03-23T15:52:00.002+10:00

reincarnated geisha, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Ok so first let me say how truly grateful I am for all the fingers that are crossed for me at the moment. I'm definately feeling a lot more positive since writing my last post...I think it helped me get all the emotions out so thanks again for your kind words and thoughts.

Now..I've managed to pull myself out of my creative slump, there's nothing like a looming deadline to get those juices flowing. Here's a little peak at my submission for The Reincarnated Kimono Exhibition which is being curated by the very lovely Mel from Kimono Reincarnate.

My piece is on a recycled skateboard......much fun!

Fingers crossed and things that go bump.....

2011-03-17T15:14:00.001+10:00

Fingers crossed, originally uploaded by Toby Holmes Illustration.

So I haven't blogged much lately, in fact I haven't done very much of anything lately. I've ummed and ahhed about sharing what's going on because I'm a pretty private sort of person for the most part. I've decided that I think I'm going to share because I've been reading about other peoples similar experiences and it's helped and maybe someone might find this post oneday and it might help them get through it too.

OK.....deep breath....here goes.

At Christmas time I was very surprised to find out I'm pregnant. Surprise baby no. 3 set to arrive a couple of days after my birthday. This was not what I had planned for this year....at.....all! Nevermind, we thought. It'll be fine and just means we might have to get a bigger car and finish the house a little sooner than planned.

Little did I know then the emotional rollercoaster I'd be taking over the next 16 weeks. Being over 35 there was lots of talk of 'trisomy disorders' and advanced maternal age (I'm 36 people...not 56, sheesh) but I was confident there'd be no such dramas for me, having two very healthy little boys as proof of my baby making powers.

As the sickness and tiredness of early pregnancy enveloped me I felt reassured by their presence that the little creature within was fine and healthy. I went along to my 13 week nuchal scan without a care in the world, eager to see what was going on inside. Everything looked as it should but then a bomb was dropped.....in combination with my 'advanced maternal age', my blood tests indicated a very high and scary risk of a disorder 'incompatible with life'. I cried like a baby. I rang my husband and cried some more. I was numb and lost and sad and scared.

My Dr, bless her, said I should call her at any time in the next few days if I needed to....and I needed to, that's for sure. A couple of hours after getting home, bad news hanging over me like a storm cloud I discovered that I was bleeding.....a lot. I couldn't believe it and was convinced that the risk was true and my body had just realised too. In a way I felt relieved that if something was wrong it would naturally fix itself. In a way I felt it was way too much to happen in one day. My Dr said I should come in the next day to see what was going on. I did. The creature, oblivious to all the fuss was bouncing around in it's bubble, safe, sound and well. It was a hard week, hoping the bleeding would stop....wondering if my little one did indeed have a disorder that would see it die soon after birth...if it made it that far.

I decided to have an amniocentesis to know for sure if there was a problem or not. I had to wait 3 weeks so the baby could be big enough to cope with the procedure.....3 weeks of wondering, of googling, it got hard towards the end and I'm eternally grateful to the few friends who know what's going on who've thought of me during this time. I feel lucky to know you.

On Monday I had the amnio. It was scary and it hurt but I promised myself I wouldn't cry about all this anymore so I didn't. On Tuesday I found out that there's too much old blood in the fluid to get the early results......I have to wait another 2 weeks....2 weeks is a long time to wonder but I'm reassured that my little creature looks good and healthy, is growing consistently and has a healthy strong heart.

Only time will tell if there's anything wrong. It certainly seems as though everything is fine but there's still a risk and it's yuck.

I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Cross your fingers for me and my little creature.

Lately.....

2011-03-03T12:07:00.001+10:00

girl with feathers3, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I've been trying to get back into the swing of things but lately it's been hard. There's some stuff going on that's distracting and worrying but my fingers are crossed that everything turns out OK and I can get on with things again.

I'm also working on something with littlest brother which is exciting and promising!!! More on that soon!

Oh and here's a drawing I finished the other day.....I'd like to add some colour I think.

Let's Go Shopping

2011-02-19T07:46:00.002+10:00

Shopping List, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

This Saturday I'm organised enough to play along with the new meme hosted by BrisStyle, Let's Go Shopping!!

I love bugs so my shopping list today is full of delicious bugginess! The stunning origami Atlas Beetle is the work of Catamation. I'm so captivated by the tiny pieces of origami....soon I'll have to make one mine. The next item is a REread butterfly brooch. I love Hayley's work, it's refreshing, unique and just a little bit cheeky. I've already got a few in my brooch collection which I love.

Next up is a dreamy Butterfly Wax Paper Garland by 3 Girls and a Goat. So pretty and gentle, just like real butterflies floating in the breeze. Finally, combining my love of insects and Alice is this antique style brooch that I stumbled upon on etsy by Lovely Trifle. Hmmm......if only I could buy them all!

If you'd like to join in or check out some other Shopping Lists, head on over to the BrisStyle blog!

Apple A Day Giveaway..

2011-02-18T19:57:00.002+10:00

pecan apple2, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

If you'd like the chance to win one of my Apple a Day brooches, head on over to My Sweet Greens, check out my very nice feature and enter the giveaway.

My Sweet Greens is an awesomely green, eco blog filled with loads of family friendly green ideas and crafts and loads of other good stuff too!!

V Day..

2011-02-14T15:37:00.002+10:00

Scrabble Love you, originally uploaded by Kia's Photography.

Some people are into it and some people are not. I kinda sit on the fence.....

Anyways, I usually make Mr Jetta's Nest a CD every year on Valentine's Day to listen to in the car on the way to work with smooshy songs on it, not daggy ones...cool ones but this year I can't because the CD player in his work ute is trashed.

Instead I thought I'd share with you all my brothers Anti-Valentine's Day and Valentine's Day playlists.....enjoy and may you have a lovely day!

So much going on....

2011-02-04T12:13:00.001+10:00

Doily Whale, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

It seems like time is in fast-forward at the moment and we're already into the second month of the year. My biggest boy just turned 6 and has settled beautifully into Grade 1. My littlest has just started going to a lovely community kindy a couple of days a week and has taken to it like a dream.

I've got a heap of ideas of how to kick this year off creatively. I'll be working on more of my hanging pieces (I was surprised and flattered at all the positive comments on my hanging apple piece at the Christmas markets) and I'm thinking a lot about the dolls I've made.....thinking that I might work on some more...maybe even some with monster heads!

We're also super excited to now be in a position to get our house finished by the end of the year. All council problems are over and it should be all systems go very soon! It's going to be a big year with lots of 'surprises' round each and every corner!!

What's going on in your neck of the woods? Any big plans for 2011??

Cockle Shells all in a row....

2011-01-15T19:32:00.001+10:00

Soldier Crab Invasion, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Today we took a walk over on the calm side to see how much debris was washing up and to pick up a bit of it before it hurts any of the wildlife.

We were amazed at the amount of soldier crabs scuttling along the beach and spent a while watching them scurry and bury themselves in the wet sand.

We were also amazed and saddened by the amount of dead Cockle Shells and Sea Cucumbers which were almost as abundant as the crabs. They've died from the amount of freshwater that's in the passage at the moment following all the rain we've had and the beach is absolutely littered with them.

We managed to pick up a whole lot of broken glass, plastic bottles, loads of string and heaps of other junk that's washed up on the shore. Mr Jetta's Nest found this old can of Tab......I wonder how far it's travelled.

Hope you're all keeping high and dry. It seems like so much of our country is affected by this flooding at the moment.

The floods......

2011-01-13T17:04:00.003+10:00

It's been a crazy time in Queensland lately as I'm sure you all know. We are very fortunate to live in a high area and although we've lost our entire crop of vegies and fruit bar a few protected herbs we're feeling very lucky to have survived this flood event unscathed. The images on television are overwhelming as we see familiar streets covered in water not to mention the devastating stories of lives lost.

I've donated a little something to the BrisStyle "Handmade Ark" Flood Appeal and if you'd like to make a donation to the Premier's Flood Relief Fund and get a little something handmade for yourself there's heaps of great stuff up for grabs. You can check out the BrisStyle blog or do a search in etsy 'handmade' section for 'brisstyle ark'.

It's all quite surreal actually but I now completely understand why people are still talking about the '74 floods.

Beach mornings...

2010-12-22T13:18:00.002+10:00

angmicahbeach, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Sunday was a pretty dreary old day but we'd promised the boys a morning at the beach so a morning on the beach was had!

We got there super early and went for a big walk along the sand finding little crabs, broken shells and golden kelp along the way. The tide was high and the boys, not deterred by the threat of rain and the dreary sky couldn't wait to frolic in the water.

In case you're wondering, that's Moreton Island in the background. Pre-kids, Mr Jetta's Nest and I would often duck over in the boat, weather permitting, for an improptu beachcomb...now it all takes much more planning.....

It's nice to be on holidays, but how crazy is this weather? What's it like where you are??

'tis the season to be crazy.....

2010-12-18T15:35:00.001+10:00

christmas just gets f*cking worse, originally uploaded by lism..

What is it about this time of year that turns normally sane people into weapons of mass consumption?

After a week of mad market prep (it was a very nice night, thankyou very much and yes it was fantastic that it didn't rain) the cupboards were completely bare with no bread, milk or purple cabbage to be seen. Knowing that the shops would be MENTAL today I organised myself to get to the supermarket nice and early to avoid the crowds or people shopping it up big. By the time I left the shop an hour later there was a queue of cars lined up to get in the car park. It was 9.30!

Now I'm not a Christian person nor am I religious at all but I thought this was a season for giving and sharing and being with family and friends (my favourite part of this holiday season) not shopping till you drop and competing to see who can make the best cob-loaf dip!

For the record, the Christmas tree is still not up. The boys haven't mentioned it. I'm wondering if I can get away with a branch from outside with a few randomly placed ornaments on it.

What's your take, do you love it and get right into it or do you find yourself cutting back more and more as the years go by??

at one with nature

2010-12-11T16:34:00.002+10:00

at one with nature, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

This woodsman is just a little something I knocked up today in between chores, orders and refereeing hungry boys.

I never used to draw men at all but now I quite enjoy it. I wish I had more time for drawing. Lately it feels like I never finish anything cos I'm always sewing. I'm thinking that the sewing side of Jetta's Nest might wind down just a little next year. We'll see.....

Hope it's not too wet where you are!

Days are long, years are short...

2010-12-08T13:20:00.001+10:00

Cookies in a Jar, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I can't quite believe that biggest boy has just about finished his first year of school. We went out to dinner last night to celebrate a report card full of wonderful, positive comments and of course, there was much crazy behaviour by the two boys to remind us to be thankful that his behaviour is good at school and sometimes trying at home!

I've spent the morning bundling up some Cookies in a Jar to say thank you to biggest boy's teacher and the teacher-aids. I got the recipe from Bakerella in case you're interested...it's a Cowboy Cookie recipe which seemed a tad overloaded with sweetness so ommitted quite a bit of the chocolate chips.

I haven't put the Christmas tree up yet....I just can't bring myself to do it with the thoughts of packing it up again and being precious about my decorations quite strongly in my head.

Anyone else thinking about going treeless??

Wet Weather Market Day...

2010-12-07T12:25:00.002+10:00

Jetta's Nest with a touch of AliPink, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

The sun is shining proudly today but on Saturday it was nowhere to be seen. The day started off with only a light drizzle but the threat of torrential downpour was there despite my predictions of it holding out until at least 2 o'clock.

It got crazy! It got so crazy that most of us outsiders decided to save our stock from damage and pack up early but that's OK cos it was till a great day and heaps of diehard handmade lovers and fans of BrisStyle venturing out with umbrella's in tow eager to grab a few Christmas gifts and treats for themselves.

I want to say a special enormous thankyou to those familiar faces who come to all our BrisStyle markets and really make it all worthwhile. I also want to say a just as enormous thankyou to those people (you know who you are) who come along and say hi and have a chat at every market and always take a little piece of Jetta's Nest home with them too. Whenever I doubt what I'm doing (which is often) I'm always really grateful for your amazing feedback and the fact that you dig what I do. Thanks heaps, I really, truly mean it.

There's one more market left on the 2010 calender for me. It's the BrisStyle indie Twilight Market on 17 December in King George Square. It's going to be really fantastic as we'll be surrounding the big Christmas tree in the middle of the city as well as spreading down into Albert Street. I can't wait and already have my fingers and toes crossed for a twinkly clear night!!

My Creative Space...

2010-12-02T14:03:00.003+10:00

owl and pencils, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

My creative space should probably be renamed 'my crazily busy and super messy space' this week as I frantically try and restock after my last market for Saturday (the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market).

I've managed to pump out about 10 monster tee's in the last couple of days and a few brooches too....not as many as I'd like but they're quite time consuming and I like them to be just right! These pencils are made from some salvaged Red Mahogany. Sadly I'm completely out of the Pecan Wood I was using. Hopefully we'll stumble upon some again soon!!

Do come and say hi on Saturday in you're in da hood :)

For more creative spaces, head on over to kootoyoo or better still, join in!!

Monstuffies

2010-12-01T12:57:00.002+10:00

Monster Softies - Monstuffies, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

After much tending and fussing my little mob of Monstuffies has hatched and grown big enough to find new homes this Saturday at the BrisStyle indie Designers Market!

I've decided to go with hand-drawn eyes for these guys now. I like it better than buttons for a couple of reasons. For one, they're now totally safe for under 3's which is great cos we don't want the littlies missing out on a Monstuffie and the second reason is that they seem a little more alive now...what do you think??

(jemima juiceberry monstuffie)

They all come complete with a genuine Monstuffie name too.....here's Jemima Juiceberry!!

Poppin' up at Nook

2010-11-29T13:12:00.002+10:00

On Saturday I hung out with Chrissy Foreman-C, Dash Robin Kate and Michelle and Pedro at Nook!

It was loads of fun setting up shop in Michelle's front garden in between the parsley and basil. It was also heaps of fun to mix all of our stuff up. It all looked really great together. I bought a Timber tee for Mr Jetta's Nest (it looks fantastic on him) and a re-fillable coffee mug in full black for me and thanks to the power of the swap I now have one of Chrissy's ultra-comfy fabric rings and a sweet dash robin birdie brooch.

By far the best part of the day was watching that little shop fill with people eager to take home a little piece of Nook. It's been awesome to watch Nook grow from an amazing idea into the busy little slice of West End that it is today. Well-done Michelle, here's wishing you another busy year in your Nook with loads of help from Pedro, of course!!

Rainy Days....

2010-11-25T19:33:00.001+10:00

RainClouds mobile, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Today was rainy and cold...weird weather considering it's late November. I should be sweating up a storm and instead I'm grabbing my favourite cardi and putting the kettle on.

I've been thinking about mobiley type hanging things for a while so I made this today out of some pieces of Pecan that are too thick for brooches. I'm not 100% sure what I'll use to hang them with yet. I was thinking something along the lines of a hemp yarn or something....any ideas??

Twits..

2010-11-22T09:34:00.002+10:00

Twits Mug from Roald Dahl Museum, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

My brother went to the Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire and all I got was this fricken' awesome mug!!!

Pop Up at Nook!

2010-11-17T11:47:00.002+10:00

Right about now, at this very moment I should be finishing off some Monstuffies for the BrisStyle indie Twilight Market that's on this Friday night but I've given myself half an hour on the computer......I'm hoping to stick to my limit!

I've been meaning to pop this little flyer up for a bit so here 'tis now! I'm very excited to have been invited to set up a wee Pop-Up Shop in the front garden at Nook next Saturday with fellow eco/ethical handmadies, Chrissy of My Nostalgic Feeling and Kate from dash robin.

If you haven't visited Nook yet, this would be the perfect opportunity...and you may even catch yourself a glimpse of Pedro!!

Justin Beavers

2010-11-16T22:59:00.001+10:00

mr beaver, originally uploaded by megipupu.

We were at the tail end of a school morning rush-around when I heard biggest boy singing 'baby, baby, oh' to a tune that sounded vaguely familiar.

"What is that song you're singing?"

"It's just baby, baby, oh, Mum."

"Where did you hear that?"

"Mum (said in that roll your eyes, don't you know anything sort of tone), it's Justin Beavers and it got in my ears".

Apparently one of biggest boys friends sings this quite a lot and it's now caught on. I was horrified, all my musical influence on him dissolved in a moment.....Justin Beavers indeed!

Pardon me but there's an eyeball on your shoe...

2010-11-15T19:28:00.004+10:00

There's a creative streak that runs in my family that's akin to a bolt of lightening! My cousin paints the raddest shoes ever. Aren't they amazing? Fingers crossed that she opens an Etsy shop soon....

Look at those little monsters....hmmmm...monsters seem to be a common theme. I wonder if that says something about my family too?? Definately something to ponder.

Anyways, I wanted to share the awesomeness of these shoes and my cousin, cos she's not only pretty and nice and funny, she makes good stuff too!

Flying birds..

2010-11-12T10:41:00.002+10:00

Christmas Ornaments - Salvaged Silky Oak, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I've made a few of these little birds for all the Christmas markets that are coming up. These ones are made from salvaged Silky-Oak. I'm also working on a few new ideas for next year...little bits of cut wood with holes and hooks to hang, maybe from your ears....shhhhhhh :)

2011 - Jetta's Nest Illustrated Calendar

2010-11-09T12:12:00.002+10:00

2011 - Jetta's Nest Illustrated Calendar, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I've been playing around with this little calendar idea for years and years and years and finally, I've come up with something that I think is pretty cute.

It's printed on a really lovely recycled cardstock (from Amazing Paper) that's made using wind generated power (so eco) and get's clipped together with a shiny silver clip so you can hang it up and switch the months about easily.

I'll be listing them in the shop today then I must start getting ready for the next market, the BrisStyle indie Twilight Market in King George Square on November 19 and then a very exciting little pop-up market at Nook with eco creatives, Chrissy Foreman-C and Kate dash Robin on November 27 (more on this one later).

More Movember love...

2010-11-08T09:52:00.001+10:00

movember man with doily tie, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Here's a little more Movember love. A fine hairy dude complete with doily tie.

Just for the record, Mr Jetta's Nest still hasn't shaved. It's been nearly 3 weeks and he's getting very hairy. He thinks he looks dirty but I like it a lot!

Oh and I made some little mo brooches for the market on Saturday...I'll list some in the shop just in case anyone wants to mo it up without getting hairy with some sale proceeds going to the fantastic men's charity!!

Oh what markety fun...

2010-11-07T20:37:00.002+10:00

Jetta's Nest - BrisStyle indie Eco Market, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

There was not a raindrop in sight as we set up our stalls for the BrisStyle indie Eco Market yesterday morning and the sky stayed blissfully blue all day too!

I love the eco market so much, it's definately my favourite. The people that come along are all really interested in sustainably and ethically made products (craft with a conscience if you will) and it's always exciting to see my fellow Brisbane crafty peeps hugging our earth so hard with their crafty love.

It was fantastic to see our amazing supporters, Peppermint Magazine and Reverse Garbage along for the day too!

I'm back into replenishing stock tomorrow for the next market!!

Green PikaPackage.....YiPPee!!

2010-11-04T12:26:00.004+10:00

I'm so excited ('like walk up to strangers and tell them' excited) about the Green edition PikaPackage 2010 over at Pikaland: The Illustrated Life. I can't even believe that I got picked to be involved, it's like a dream come true!! So here's the deal about it all, the Green edition is a PikaPackage Project that includes a curated list of 10 artists and illustrators who've submitted art with an eco theme.

There's amazing art from Benconservato, Edison Rex, Genie Espinosa, Halle Cisco, Katie Green, Kitty Kilian, Mary Kate McDevitt, Nekocherry , Smooth Pebble and there's even some stuff from Jetta's Nest (oh my gosh that's me) too!!

So if you head on over to Pikaland you can enter the green giveaway and then you can head over to the Green PikaPackage zine and download a copy for free. It's full of little interviews with all the artists and gorgeous photos too and if you just need a PikaPackage all of your very own you can buy one from the shop!!

I can't wait to get my very own Pikapackage!!!

Movember

2010-11-01T16:24:00.002+10:00

Movember, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Can you believe how quickly the time flies? One minute you're getting used to writing a new year down and the next minute you know, Christmas decorations are in the shops again and it's time to start thinking about Secret Santa and how will I survive 6 weeks worth of school holidays!

I've been trying to convince Mr Jetta's Nest to moustache it up this Movember. He's not entirely convinced but he's definately more convinced than last year and I think it's probably got quite a bit to do with the moustache examples I drew him cos you've got to admit, they're pretty convincing.

Happy days :)

Monsters, monsters everywhere.....

2010-10-25T11:45:00.004+10:00

My market production of monsters has really stepped up lately...I worked out this morning that I have a market on every fortnight between now and Christmas! Oh my goodness!!!

Speaking of Christmas, in an effort to avoid last years gift wrapping induced anxiety attack (yes folks I totally lost it over the amount of gift wrapping I could see people buying that was going to get crumbled up and thrown out without much of a thought) we're keeping things pretty low key here this year. Considering how low key our Christmas's usually are it's kind of getting difficult to cut more stuff out...that was until my biggest boy informed me the other day that he can't quite work out why Mum's and Dad's buy presents for kids and then pretend they're from Santa. OK......so we don't have to worry about that this year! Thankfully littlest boy isn't keen on Santa cos he 'is hairy and wears red pajama's'.

Have your started getting organised yet?? Do you have gift wrapping induced anxiety too (please say yes to make me feel less crazy) ;)!!

Homegrown..

2010-10-18T20:57:00.003+10:00

I've been feeling a little grossed out this year about buying produce from the supermarket that we can grow so we've been very busy getting some quite productive vegie gardens going.

Before the boys came along I used to grow a heap of food and flowers too just for fun but now it's becoming a bit more serious as we make the gradual move towards being more self-sufficient.

Here's our first little taste of baby potatoes. Personally, I'm not a huge tater eater but these were so sweet and flavourful just steamed and left natural....I can't wait till the carrots are ready to pick!!

love

2010-10-15T13:36:00.002+10:00

doily love, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I finished this off yesterday while hanging out with some of my favourite girlfriends. It's a new card design and will be painted my favourite shade of plummy red.

Have you got something lovely planned for the weekend??

My Creative Space - 14.10.2010

2010-10-14T13:27:00.002+10:00

monster baby blue, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

So at the moment my Creative Space is all about Monsters! I got a great fun Christmas order a couple of weeks ago for a few monster pj bags and a little monster cuddle toy for a little human and this is the design I've come up with.

I'll be making some with felt eyes instead of buttons so they're suitable for babies and some will have pockets on their tummy for treasure and lost teeth!

You can see loads more creative spaces at kootoyoo!!

head in the clouds

2010-10-12T11:29:00.002+10:00

head in the clouds, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I'm having so much fun at the moment getting ready for my next market. It's the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market so it's right up my alley! Mr Jetta's Nest sliced up long pieces of timber for me on the weekend so that I can get started on some brooches (the red cedar is still wet after all this rain though so it'll have to wait a bit) and thanks to the uber sweet Mel of Moose and Bird I now have a delightful little pile of sweet doilies to add to the mountain for Flutterby tops I've been making.

Monster appliques are getting themselves ready to be stitched onto tee's and the pj bags are waiting patiently in a pile to be sewn together. Robot appliques are being considered....will I, won't I....that is the question!!

The acest thing about this upcoming market is that my littlest brother will be home from his big overseas trip. He's been living and working in London for quite some time now and it'll be nice to have him home. You can check out an awesome review he wrote on London Fashion Week here!!

Hope the sun is poking out its face wherever you are...it's trying very hard to here.

It's raining, it's boring.....and market fun!

2010-10-10T18:35:00.008+10:00

I'm not a massive fan of rain for days and days in a row. Actually, I really can't stand it, it gives me the grumbles so to try and distract myself from feeling like I'm living in an washing machine on a really, really long and rough wash cycle I've been working on a few rainbow rain watercolour illustrations.

Yesterday was a rainy but very nice all the same BrisStyle Indie Mother and Child Market. I didn't have a stall for the first time ever but popped in to give a little hand to my buddies and to check out all the goodies on display. I also met Kate from Dash Robin for the first time which was nice cos she's so nice and makes awesome stuff that is earthen and honest and warm.

Now I'm off to finish tidying up fabric and sketchbooks and paint, unearthing lost treasures in the process of cleaning up my stuff!

Every Red Cedar Cloud...

2010-10-04T20:45:00.002+10:00

White Doily Cloud on Salvaged Red Cedar - Eco, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

..has a crocheted doily lining!!

I finally tracked down those two white pens I bought about a month ago and got stuck into this Red Cedar cloud. Does anyone else do that or is it just me....I'm always losing the little bag of thread I just bought or the little bag with 5 drawing pens/2 new paintbrushes etc, etc in it...that I just bought. I'm thinking it's a sign I need to get more organised!

Anyways...here's a little trial of the white pen. It's not as fine as I'd like but it's not too bad and has come up nicely on the old Red Cedar.

In other exciting news....if you're in the Stanthorpe area, I don't know, visiting wineries or something fabulous like that, you should pop into the very new and exciting Nest Gallery and check out all the lovely local art and the gift shop where you might spot one or two of my brooches and lots of other lovely stuff too!!

Blue and Green should never be seen...

2010-10-02T11:01:00.001+10:00

Blue and Green should never be seen - Zombie Girl, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

unless you're a Zombie girl!

This is another of my new Halloween girl inspired illustrations.

It's another rainy old day here today. While the vegie garden is loving it, I quite frankly am not. It's cold and dismal and added to the fact that I'm a little under the weather at the moment (a rare event...I generally don't get sick) I feel like hibernating under a soft and cushiony handmade rock!

Hope the sunshine's shining for you today!!

Vampy Chick and steam-trains...

2010-09-30T08:27:00.002+10:00

vampchick - small colour, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I've got some Halloween inspired pieces on the go at the moment and this is the first cab off the rank...a vampire chick complete with fancy hair!

In other fascinating news, it's been raining like crazy here for the last couple of days which has really put a damper on the school holiday beach days we'd planned. I think the boys are going a little stir-crazy and there's only so much you can do while cooped up inside. I'm also going crazy as the sound of their constant noise smashes into my brain like a steam-train. I like quiet. I wish I like noise but I really, really don't...it totally messes with my brain function. How about you? Do you love noise and bluster or do you crave a little quiet time too??

School holiday fun..

2010-09-22T15:32:00.002+10:00

Robo-bin, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I actually quite enjoy school holidays as it's a welcome break from the school-run routine of lunches and arguments over which shoes to wear.

In an effort not to spend squillions of dollars this break we've agreed that we'll have one fun outing each week interspersed with fun times with friends and trips to the beach.

Today we drove over to Reverse Garbage for a spot of 'fill-up the craft box' fun! The boys came home with a treasure trove of sticky, foamy, shiny stuff in every colour and shape you could imagine. Thanks to Mister Maker our dining table overflows each and everyday with tiny snips of paper, crusty glue-sticks and miniature works of art (oh no wait...that's the door of the fridge).

I picked up this massive recycled cardboard container thing from Reverse Garbage too to store stuff in in the boys room. I've covered it in fun Bot Camp fabric (I had to cover it straightaway otherwise it'd never get done) and I think it looks ACE!.

What are you up to these holidays??

Hair...

2010-09-20T15:27:00.003+10:00

Robochick - Robot girl painting, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

The hair on my robo-chick is finally finished. It's pretty epic!

Now for the background....hmmm...I'm no good at backgrounds so it'll probably take me sometime to think up what to draw. At the moment it's just a motley green which I don't love and in my typical style I now don't really like this painting at all. It's a strange thing that I do when a painting is nearly finished....all of a sudden I look at it and think, 'hmmm, that looks crap'.

I do like the screw's though and her hair is littered with various screws and spanners and bolts and stuff like that. I was going to call her 'Tough Titties' but Mr Jetta's Nest said he thought I could probably come up with something better......any ideas??

My Creative Space

2010-09-16T12:41:00.002+10:00

My Creative Space 16.09.10, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

This week I'm playing along with My Creative Space (which I do occassionally when I remember on a Thursday).

After the whirwind of brooch making and packaging and markets and stuff lately I've opted for some very self-indulgent painting time. It's been fun and I'm already thinking of what to paint next. This is a kind of robo-chick on canvas done with watercolour and ink. I'm loving this brand of watercolour canvas, it's taking the wetness way better than any so called watercolour canvas I've used before!

It's so nice to crack out the old pallet (yes, it is a super fancy ice-cream lid) and dreamily paint every spare minute of time away. How I miss those days pre-kids when I would paint a whole weekend away whilst sipping on cold beers and other things. I never realised at the time just how much time I had!

Anyways....enough reminiscing. You can find more creative spaces and loads of other amazingly beautiful and inspiring stuff at kootoyoo!!

Junkie Couture Exhibition at Reverse Garbage

2010-09-15T15:39:00.005+10:00

I'm trying quite hard to get back into the swing of blogging regularly cos I just love having this great little record of what I'm up to and have been up to for the past couple of years (did someone say years...holy moly how time flies) so here's what's going on at the minute!

This Saturday night is the opening of the Junkie Couture exhibition at Reverse Garbage. There'll be heaps of awesome fashion and accesories made from salvaged materials so if that's your thing you'll love it!If you're in Brisbane you can come along and check it out. The opening is from 6pm-8pm on Saturday night but the exhibition runs for a bit after that...check out all the details on the Reverse Garbage website.

There'll be a few new things from my Timber Doily range and some old favourites too (timber fruit, owls...you know the stuff).

(rain for life brooch on salvaged pecan wood)

There'll be gorgeous upcycled accessories from Chrissy Foreman C (ahh... a photo with creative hands in it...my favourite kind and check out her stunning artwork in the background too)

(fabric rings - chrissy foreman c)

(upcycled kimono fabric flower - kellie christie)

and buttony colourful goodness from Kellie Christie too amongst heaps of other great stuff from creative types all over Australia!!!

Doilies and a fox...

2010-09-11T13:47:00.001+10:00

doily - salvaged timber brooch, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Here's another doily brooch I've finished up ready for the Junkie Couture exhibition at Reverse Garbage. I got a white pen yesterday to try them in white ink too. Maybe that will be nice on Red Cedar.

In other handmade type news, here's the Fantastic Mr Fox costume I made for my biggest boys first Book Week Parade last week. He absolutely loves the book and adored his costume (which unfortunately reminded me how crap fur is to sew with) and now has a love of the 'applique tie' shirt which he calls his 'office' t-shirt!

I must admit, I'm a massive 'The Twits' fan myself and still have my copy from when I was a kid. All the pages are loose from being read so many times!

Hope you're enjoying the glorious Spring weekend!!

A little obsessed with doilies...

2010-09-08T16:14:00.002+10:00

doily cloud and rain brooch - salvaged timber, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

So lately I've been drawing a lot of doily designs. It started a couple of weeks ago when a friend of mine asked me to draw up a doily design to be made into a stamp to stamp icing for cupcake toppers for a wedding and I haven't been able to stop since!

I think they look good without any colour at all. Maybe they need some white. What do you think? I was thinking this style would be more versatile and go with more outfits :)

These are for the Junkie Couture exhibition at Reverse Garbage which opens on 18 September with an opening night featuring a bar and nibblies and henna tattooing. Do come along if you're in da 'hood!

Munch, crunch, scrunch...

2010-09-06T19:21:00.001+10:00

Apple Brooches - salvaged timber, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Are you getting enough??

Feeling Fruity....

2010-09-06T17:12:00.001+10:00

once bitten handmade brooch from salvaged timber, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Two new brooch designs (or badge designs if you're a boy).

They're both on my new favourite, Pecan wood. I love the stuff and dread the day we run out of it. It's from an old tree that came down in someones yard quite some years ago and it's so beautiful! I know it's not highly featured like Silky or Camphor but I love it's tight grain and buttery colour.

This week I'm working on some stuff to take over to Reverse Garbage for the Junkie Couture exhibition which starts on September 18. I'm so excited to be a part of this exhibition and I'm in awesome company with some amazing artists and designers also taking part.

I've got loads of bloggy storytelling to catch up on too so stay tuned for tales from The Fort, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market and more on Pikaland!!!

cloud and rain drop

2010-09-03T21:59:00.001+10:00

cloud and rain drop, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

My poor, neglected blog. I think of you sometimes....but I've been too busy for you lately which sucks because I like you a lot. I feel a bit busy for everything at the moment and as the washing baskets pile up (both dirty clothes and clean, I only seem to be able to get half the job done) I've still managed to find some time for some new designs.

Actually, if I wasn't always thinking of new designs, I'd probably have a heap more time......anways, here they are. A rain-drop and a cloud. Not sure about the raindrop details but I like the doilish designs on the cloud.

I'm off to the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market tomorrow with loads of brooches and floorboard offcut mounted prints and Monster Head cushions and cards all the other stuff that I make that crowds my little marquee. Do come by and say hello if you're around....there'll be wood-fired pizza and cupcakes!!!

Roses are red....

2010-08-20T21:44:00.003+10:00

Rose Brooch - salvaged Silky Oak - handmade, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

eco is green,
This is the silkiest rose
I've seen.

OK so poetry isn't really my thing but I thought I'd give it a go anyway :)

I made this brooch a few weeks ago but I kept forgetting to edit the photos until now. When I say edit, I mean crop out my sawdust loaded fingernails and any cuts, scrapes and bandaids that are on my hands at the time. This one's on a nice old piece of Silky Oak from a post in an old school from memory. Most of the timber I use is from posts in old schools that have been refurbished, apart from the Camphor of course which is a noxious weed in spite of it's beauty. Anways...what do you think? I'm not sure I want to make any more of these ones or not.

I'm off to Canberra tomorrow morning for a quick family visit to celebrate some birthday milestones. My two young cousins are turning 18 and 21 so we're having a party to celebrate! My boys and Mr Jetta's Nest won't be coming with me which is a bit sad cos as much as they drive me bonkers I miss them when they're not near so in light of this.....here's a recent pic of the little ones letting their personalities shine.

Enjoy the weekend!!

Beards are Sexy

2010-08-17T11:07:00.001+10:00

Beards are Sexy - illustration., originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Just jumping on the bandwagon.....in my own way!

Mother Hen and minty birthday

2010-08-14T11:44:00.002+10:00

I've been a little bit lost this week with no market to prepare for this weekend! Who would have thought I would miss the hecticness so much.

Anyhoo, I decided I'd a little colour to my Mother Hen drawing. So here she is....

Mother Hen - colour, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

In other earth shattering news, my favourite eco/fashion read, Peppermint Magazine is turning 2! It's been awesome to watch this magazine grow and every issue is even more beautiful and thought provoking than the last. Big congratulations from me to Kelley, Ben and the rest of the minty team! Special mention goes to the super cute, monster loving Ryder for loving my monsters and for his big happy smile at markets!!

Make sure you check out the big 2nd birthday giveaway here. You have to be a Peppermint subscriber to enter so if you're not one yet, subscribe and you could win one of my owl brooches or heaps of other awesome stuff!

Nutmeg

2010-08-12T19:42:00.003+10:00

Nutmeg - spice girl illustration, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

So, I've finally finished up the third girl in my Spice Girls series (Vanilla, Star Anise and Nutmeg) and I tell you, I thought my eyes were going to fall out doing her hair! What do you think....can you think of any other spices that need their own girly drawing??

In other news, the Valley Laneway Markets on Sunday were loads of fun. If you're in the market for a vintage outfit or shoes I seriously recommend getting down there on a Sunday for a big spend up....there was heaps of glorious pre-loved attire. I got to meet some cool new creative peeps which was fun and also spent lots of the day chatting away to one of my favourite 'wee lassies', Amanda from Hungry Designs.

Oh, do you know about Pikaland? Check out their website, it's awesome! I've got some exciting stuff happening with them very soon!!!!

Floorboards...

2010-08-06T22:39:00.002+10:00

Stitch in Time - wood block mounted print, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

I've been trying to think of ways to make it easier to sell prints at markets and I think I've finally found a solution! I've mounted these prints on recycled floorboard offcuts so you can set them on a shelf or hang them on a wall (there's a hook on the back) too.

This 'Stitch in Time' one is my new favourite! I'll be seeing how they go this Sunday at the launch of the Valley Laneway Markets in Brisbane. If you're in the neighbourhood make sure to come and say hi....I'm in Bakery Lane!!

The whirlwind weekend!!

2010-08-03T13:56:00.002+10:00

Day of the Dead v.4, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

After a busy week getting stock ready, things kicked off on Friday night with the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market in King George Square. It was such a great night! My highlight was picking up my little swap package from the uber cute Holly from Pannikin. Holly very generously made up a little bundle of Richard Scarry badges for my two little die-hard fans and they are absolutely wrapped! Photos are coming....they're so damned cute!

We wrapped things up by about 10pm and dragged our weary bodies off to bed for another market day on Saturday! Yep, that's right, 6.30am at Red Hill for the Red Hill Fair. It was an awesome family day out and if you've never been I highly recommend it for the kids. There was heaps to do and quite a few market stalls too.

After a little rest on Sunday and Monday, I'm back on board and full steam ahead for this Sunday's Valley Laneway Markets! I think it's going to be super!! Poor old Suzy Scroll Saw has been moaning and groaning about all the work she's been doing lately so I gave her a little rest while I finished this Day of the Dead girl.

Stay tuned for some exciting new stockist news and some pics of my new Art Blocks!!

Kid Independent World T-shirt Tour

2010-07-29T13:20:00.005+10:00

I'm just quickly popping in to say make sure you check out the last week of Kid Independent's World T-shirt Tour to be in the running to win super t-shirt prizes from me and heaps of other independent designer type people.

Just between you and me, I can't even believe I'm on the same page as coolsters such as Monstar Kids, Baby Base Ink and Electric Boy!

Images from Kid Independent and Jetta's Nest.

A Promise to myself....

2010-07-23T19:33:00.001+10:00

Girly - salvaged timber eco brooch, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

Dear Me

I promise that I will not try out anymore new designs in the next week. I promise that I will focus on making market stock and stop stuffing around trying out new stuff, photographing them, uploading them to flickr and facebook and my blog, blah, blah, blah.

I promise that I will stop thinking of new ideas until the next lot of markets are over and that I will focus on the things that are getting made at the moment.

Love

Sam

P.S. Thanks for finally giving this design a go. See, it doesn't look like crap. She's cute. The Pecan came up nice and yes it would look good as a big wall-hanging but we're not thinking about that sort of thing right now.........

Some new brooch designs.....

2010-07-23T10:51:00.002+10:00

apple core - salvaged timber eco brooch, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

With heaps of markets and events coming up (the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market next Friday night and Red Hill Fair the next day) I thought I might pop out a few new designs!

First up is my Apple Core. This one's made from a gorgeous piece of salvaged Pecan Tree. It's quite old and a little bit rare and fancy too.

Next up is the pencil. I love pencils. I have heaps of pencils. I don't use a pencil when I draw though, I use an old silver Pacer Executive that I made mine back in the early 90's. We've been together a while, me and my Pacer and I love him!!

Stay tuned for the snails. I'm working on them today!!

Enjoy the weekend peeps and I hope wherever you are the day is as gorgeous as it is here!

And then there was.....

2010-07-21T23:16:00.001+10:00

Sew or Die again - colour, originally uploaded by Jetta's Nest.

colour.