I love my garden, and my new job.

Life is sweet, like sweet basil.. mmm.

So I don't quite have a garden, I have a patio - with pots. Yesterday I spent the afternoon repotting all the plants, it felt good to get my hands in some soil again.

We have bought some herbs from the markets, basil and italian parsley, to begin growing in our home. They are on the patio at the moment, but I think we might need to get a planter box for the study and move them there. I know, sounds like a weird place to grow herbs but it gets the best sun in the morning (basil needs lots of sun) and good shade in the afternoon (we are tired of moving the plants inside when the afternoon sun hits). I'm not sure about all this yet though.. one way or the other - we are getting a cute little planter..

(I found these images on google but I can't remember where!)

Next weekend, we might buy a third herb - probably rosemary. I've seen both my Mum and Nonna grow it, and it seemed to do pretty well up there in Cairns (hot, tropical weather), so it should be fine here in Brisbane.

Meanwhile, my job at La Boite Theatre is fantastic. It's the easiest and most enjoyable job I've ever had. At the moment, we have a children's production playing, called 'The Gruffalo' (from the book). The kiddies go nuts for it. I'm more excited for our next production (which I have free tix to!)... HAMLET.

Splash! Apron

That's what I like to call it, anyway. It's been a must-make since I clayed up my picnic dress. The clay fun was worth it, but next time I'll be prepared.. 

The flowers on the fabric are actually stencil printed, the original fabric is some crazy tartan. At first, I didn't like the fabric .... but now I love, love, love it!

No pattern, just a 50's style apron for the bottom and a square bib for the top. Oh, and there's a pocket at the front too!

Clay and paint away!!

Finito

I couldn't of picked a more appropriate fabric for a library bag..

p.s. My Nonna, she loves the purse I made for her.. she shows it to all her friends =) 

Sweetness

Thanks to Bloom, I have made a journal cover for my visual journalling..

Although it has my name embroidered on it, the cover really reminds me of my sister. I think it's fabric Mum used to make Emma things when she was younger.

Have also made a library bag, but still have to embroider "i libri" on it.. I'm obsessed with embroidery at the moment - everything must have a stitch!!

A poor girl's shelf

I have to say, I am very pleased with yesterday's make (despite its wee wonkiness)...

Mother dear has sent me an abundance of fabrics, that half a shelf (shared with toxic art mediums) wasn't enough. So keeping in mind the fact that we are only renting, and also very poor, I made a removable shelf out of whatever junk I could find..

• Ikea box
• Masking tape (to soften the edges of the cardboard)
• Phonebook (paper mache) 
• Gesso and paint =)

Oh, and my second love ... the glue gun. Since I've started machine sewing, I must say the quick-unpick (I think some call it a seam ripper) is close behind. 

When we go on a big trip to bunnings (can't wait), I think I might replace this ol' shelf with a plywood version. Of course, no screwing involved (glue gun, you've done it again). 

Challenge

What to do with this new parental pawn off...

First thing - the knobs. We'll try find new ones. Making it look like it 'belongs', is another project on my long list... 

Today's Make

A water bottle cosy thanks to this lovely guide find. Unfortunately... Smasha is a bit fat for the cosy.. 

Sorry, I must just mention that I name items I get attached to.. Smasha is my water bottle (Smasha like a female marshmellow, not a wrestler). 

Since Smasha is a fatty, this water bottle cosy now keeps my paintbrushes warm (well half of them)... warm in the hot, hot, Brisbane heat. 

I'm going to make another one, before Smasha's self esteem drops.