notweeds-blog

Australia goes to the polls - even on Etsy!

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:44:00 +0100

Ok folks - it is election day here in Australia... apparently it is going to be a cliffhanger.
According to Etsy however Julia Gillard is clearly in front by 8 views - right now it stands 120/112 in favour of Julia.
Now you might be thinking - what on earth is Tia doing, looking for politicians on Etsy. Well, the truth is - I was looking for BUDGIES! And one of the results was this very Tony Abbott - ROFL! Aussies know the link between Budgies and Tony - no further explanation needed. The creatress ( I made up that word) is

wickedchilddesigns on Etsy

check out her store for other familiar faces!

Now it is time to 'cast your vote'

simply click on the pic of your choice to 'cast your vote' (promise they are linked to their true listings)

I will check back on Sunday night to tally the results.

HAVE FUN!

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UPDATE: POLLING HAS NOW CLOSED

The DUST Team has voted and the tally stands at 134 to 117 and - at least here on the Etsy Poll the winner is

JULIA GILLARD

Handmade Soap and Shampoo Bars on madeit!

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:38:26 +0100

I am SO excited!

Finally I have found a shampoo bar that incorporates my two favourite Hair Care Herbs!
Some time ago I blogged about the wonderful effects Nettle has on hair - when taken internally as a tea. Nettle, one of the most amazing herbs for its nutrients, vitamins and mineral content ( think Multi Vit. in a cup), it makes the hair grow thicker, stronger, adds a lovely shine and leaves it really healthy looking. Who would have thought, huh? Nettle is one of the best allies for great looking hair (amongst many other health benefits of course).Rosemary, when used externally, adds shine and gloss and it also helpful for combating Dandruff.

And here it is - thanks to the wonderful
BecClarkeCreations on madeit!

Be quick, I will place my order very soon!

Now along with handmade Shampoo Bars there is also an amazing range of handmade soap available on madeit.
They look SO scrumptious, delicious and yummy that I sometimes want to lick the screen!
No seriously though, check these ones out and see for yourself...
If the soap featured here contains Palm Oil I have been reassured by the creator that it comes from a sustainable source, so it has not impacted the environment in a negative way.

Here is one I have personally tried, it is exquisite to say the least! My skin tends to be very dry and this nourishing soap has not left me feeling like I had mistakenly used Sandpaper instead of a washcloth, nor did I have to reach for the moisturizer afterwards.

This soap is one of several gorgeous blends available from Rhasdala Bath and Body on madeit

Another one that I personally really enjoy using is this one

Beautiful to hold and very pleasantly scented, handmade by Back of the Moon on madeit

This one caught my eye not only because it look scrumptious but moreso because it uses another fantastic Herb...Sea Kelp!
I love Sea Kelp for its ability to rev up the metabolism and wonderful healing qualities and now I can have it 'all over me' too!

French Clay and Sea Kelp CP Soap, handmade by Lynnz on madeit

Momentoes In Time on madeit

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 03:02:18 +0100

Last week I was given the opportunity to trial a new Card Kit from the wonderful creators of
Momentoes In Time ,
designers of unique papercraft kits and supplies.
I got very excited when I saw the delightful projects that were displayed on the site - some of which you can see below.
My own feeble attempts are quite embarrassing and I haven't been brave enough to put them on display, but I will say that the Wardrobe Kits I have trialled are superb. They are super easy to assemble, leave plenty of room for creative expression and can be made in no time at all. Just take some time out and check out the Momentoes In Time website and see the incredible range that is on offer. If you are looking to make some cards that scream 'gorgeous', 'individual' or 'stunning' grab yourself one of the kits on offer and get crafty!
They even have a YouTube channel!!!
Anyway, I have talked enough, check out the pics HERE- they just speak for themselves!

Momentoes In Time Wardrobe Kits are also available on madeit !

Wardrobe Card Kit by Momentoes In Time on madeit

A visit to the RSCPA and DUSTY Dogs!

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:30:22 +0100

A few weeks ago I decided that I really wanted another canine fur baby. One that would hike with me in the bush, that wants to play with a frisbee or ball and is generally quite active in order to facilitate some rehabilitation for me.

Rosie, our resident QUEEN Dachshund,

is adorable, but - as most hounds go - she has her nose to the ground non-stop and we make very little progress when out and about, or she will run off after a rabbit and ignore my ball throwing efforts!
She still gets a walk every day, or Wayne will even race her with the bike (not a bad effort for an 88yr old doggie lady!) but I am pining for that hiking companion.
Wayne was a bit reluctant and had all sorts of objections, but he is understanding and was easily persuaded.

So, yesterday we visited the RSPCA in Bendigo... well it was quite a sad sight. All these abandoned dogs, some with horrific abuse stories behind them, it was a miracle that we left empty handed. Did you know they only have 36 days at the most to find a new home for them... after that they will get euthanised. Although - some dogs are so traumatised that it may be the kindest thing for them anyway.
We agreed that it would be best to wait until I return from my little visit to Perth at the end of the month so I could take charge of the new family member and train it.

So today I was checking out 'DUSTY Dogs' instead - and here is what I have found!!!

Good things come in small packages by matouenpelouche on Etsy

Dog Tag Dandelions by iszlestore on Etsy,
I could not go past this as Dandelion is one of my favourite NOTWeeds ;)

Paws of Love by uniquedichroic on Etsy

Vincent the Vintage Chenille Scottie Dog by leahkl on Etsy

Original Print - Dinner Dance - Ltd Edition by janallsopp on Etsy

Once again the DUST Team has Top Notch Quality craft to offer, and I am proud to be a part of it.
If you would like to see more DUST head over to the DUST Website and be dazzled ;)

Turning Japanese on madeit Day 4 - final day

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 06:19:47 +0100

It has been a really enjoyable experience to learn so much about Japanese culture and the life and training of a Geisha in particular, through the book I have been reading for the past 4 days (if you are looking for the details please check back to the first blog 'Turning Japanese'). For ease of reading and to aid retention of the many foreign words I would have appreciated a glossary at the end of the book.

Today is the last day that I will feature a madeit seller who offers Japanese themed craft, and WOW - have I found something with a difference!
Rex & Poppy took the theme to a totally different level and got creative with grafitti! Check this out:

Pink Geisha Graffiti Scate Deck handmade by Rex & Poppy on madeit

kokeshi doll graffitti Nr 1 handmade by Rex & Poppy on madeit

Pink Geisha postcard print handmade by Rex & Poppy on madeit

What FUN it has been for me to explore the various artistic expressions for the 'Turning Japanese' Theme, I am almost a bit sad that it has now come to a conclusion. If you are looking for more 'japanese' themed art on madeit just do a search from the madeit home page and be AMAZED!

Turning Japanese on madeit Day 3

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 06:49:56 +0100

It is getting close to the end of the book now, yesterday afternoon I got even more involved with
Mineko Iwasaki's story. A lot of the part that I have read described the intricate details of the Kimono - the classical Geisha outfit.

Did you know it can weigh up to 20kg and takes a dedicated, professionally trained, 'dresser' to dress the geisha? The whole process can take as long as 5 hours!
Most japanese women are quite petite, so if you imagine having a body weight of - say - 45kg - and then having to carry an added 20kg of material, balancing this on the special shoes they have to wear - not an easy feat!

Each Kimono tells a story, they are very valuable items and are mainly handstiched. It is fastened with an Obi, another complicated part of the ensemble which goes around the waist and can be up to 20m long.

The featured seller today is:
Baum Textiles Company ,
who has exquisite handmade quilts on offer that are made either from vintage kimono or kimono silk.

Here are some of the sumptious images of what is on offer, go on - indulge yourself - check out the store for more imgages!

my personal favourite, I love bright colours! Handmade by baumtextilesco on madeit

Kimono Quilt 'Pink Tones' by baumtextilesco on madeit

Kimono Quilt Cream Silk handmade by baumtextilesco on madeit

Tomorrow will be the last instalment of this little series, stay tuned and check back to see if YOU are the next featured madeit seller!

Turning Japanese on madeit Day 2

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 07:59:22 +0100

Well, I am up to page 195 and continue to be enchanted and fascinated by the Japanese culture and the memoirs of a Geisha.
As promised, I am continuing to feature a madeit seller that offers japanese themed craft every day until the book is finished. Today I'd like to showcase the work of Wintu on madeit, a seller who has crafted several gorgeous japanese themed handbags as you can see below. Be sure to pop over to the store to have a look what else is on offer!

Jet Black Vinyl and Blue Geisha Girl and Blossom Messenger Bag

Black Vinyl & Japanese Fish/Blossom

Red Vinyl & Japanese Red Green and Tan Fan Fabric

Check back tomorrow for more Japanese inspired craft on madeit!

Turning Japanese on madeit!

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:10:28 +0100

Books - I cannot imagine my life without them!
Currently I am reading the memoir of Mineko Iwasaki - Geisha of Gion.

Mineko started her training as a Geisha age 5 - her story is fascinating and rich with insights into a culture that - so far - was very foreign to me. Other than Sushi and Cherry Blossom there was little else I associated with Japanese Culture.
I would like to celebrate my journey with everyone by exploring the vast variety of Japanese inspired craft on madeit!
Every day - until I have finished reading the book - I will feature one madeit seller that fits the theme.

First off I'd like to showcase the wonderful Japanese Inspired Jewellery by Mettle Design Studio on madeit
This jewellery just took my breath away, check out some of the items below or head straight to the shop by clicking on the link above.

the first item that caught my eye was this Matisse Inspired Seaweed Pendant, possibly because it is such a valuable herb and a staple in my pantry ;), but more likely because it is strikingly beautiful!

Ikebana inspired pendant

Kiko - Japanese Style Chrysanthemum Pendant

A feast for the eye, I am sure you will agree. Check back tomorrow for more Japanese inspired art on madeit!

In the meantime - get up and get wild - head over to YouTube and 'Turn Japanese' !!!

Rainbow Alert!

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:44:44 +0100

Here in Moonambel we have the Nature Channel on a BIG screen 24/7 - no remote control needed! With a variety of over 50 bird species, many more kangaroos (in fact - they outnumber the town population by 50:1), wallabies, echidnas, snakes and many domestic and farm animals (often on the loose too - grrr - just this morning I had a 17hh horse trot past my lounge room window and through the garden!) - but best of all - we get spectacular rainbows. Check this one out:

Isn't it just spectacular? And yes, of COURSE I made a mad dash to the end of it to search for that pot of gold, after all - we are in the Goldfields too, so chances were good! But alas - no such luck.
Back home, warm and cozy, I browsed through the Etsy DUST Team site to check out what 'rainbows' were on offer.
I was stunned by the variety, beauty and crafts(wo)manship that has been displayed and here are some I'd like to share with you:

spooktacular coin purse by SeventhSphere on Etsy

Rainbow Candy Earrings by Belladonna Beads on Etsy

Rainbow Coloured Necklace with Kazuri Beads by Lizzie Briggs Designs on Etsy

Inverse Rainbow Heart PDF Cross Stitch Pattern by Stitches by Kryss on Etsy

Knee High Rainbow Socks by Rainbow Revolution on Etsy

There are many MANY more 'Rainbows' listed by fellow members of the DUST Team, they are truly stunning and well worth a look, simply type in Rainbow on the DUST Team Site and be amazed and dazzled!!!

It's Raining on madeit!

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:36:14 +0100

Rain, glorious rain! And lots of it! In fact it rained so much that the Avoca Falls (which run only once every so often) got running again. And - I hasten to add - it wasn't exactly warm while we were there...

So, once I got home, stoked the fire and made myself a nice hot cuppa of BUZZinga
I settled into my favourite chair with the notebook and marvelled at some of the 'Rain' on madeit.

Rain Drop Pearls by Snow White meets Belle on madeit

Purple Rain scarf by Hey Stella on madeit

'Raindrops' Swarovski Crystal Drops by Rainbow and Pearl on madeit

'Rainy Day' by A Litte Birdie Told Me on madeit

A Little Rain brooch by Hungry Designs on madeit

So many artist celebrating rain with a great variety of media, be sure to check out there stores for more!