I thought it would be nice to start the year with a giveaway – please consider this a small thank you for visiting my blog.  I have three parcels to send out – one with a copy of my book, one with cards and one with a dress I made. I've never worn it but want to gift…

Even though it's very simple to embroider, a vine with leaves and small flowers will always remain a favourite stitching subject for me. I embroidered this plain black summer top with some tiny yellow flowers, inspired by yellow fennel in bloom along Wellington's South Coast. 'Twas a bit tricky to work with ordinary thread on…

I had the nicest time one afternoon this week just sitting at the kitchen table, making these pressed-flower sun catchers. The project idea came from the most recent issue of Extra Curricular magazine (#18) and a piece written by Isabella Pachter, with photos by my pal Sonya.  I made three sun-catchers, and used up all the pressed flowers I…

A friend gave me an armful of white lisianthus stems. They're kind of like casual roses. I love them. And late last year, Helen gifted me the vintage pincushion you can see in the last photo above. It's made from wool felt with hand-embroidery, and filled with sand (good for keeping needles sharp). I think the…

Both Arlo and Keira have loved to draw and paint since they could hold crayons, but lately Keira has been especially interested in trying all sorts of art-making, and has been attending drawing classes in town too (these ones, which she loves). It's a special thing to watch a child grow up and develop a…

Happy new year to you! I hope you had a relaxing summer break if you're on this side of the world. I was lucky enough to visit family all over the top of the South Island, and ventured to Golden Bay and the West Coast too. Everywhere was so warm and bright, with sparkling blue…