hello

Hello, it has been a long time between visits here. I have been a little lost in making, studying and trying to get the balance of everything working is tricky. I have just starting listing on etsy again and am enjoying that. I started a facebook page late last year but I haven't been visiting there much either. I plan on making more of an effort to schedule time for more regular visits here, sharing little snippets of my space and inspirations. If you'd like to join me over on facebook you can do so by following this link. Also, I need a little help - I am wondering if there is anything in particular you would like to read or see on my facebook page and here too? If you have time I'd love for you to let me know by leaving a comment x 



Counting Sheep Corner

My sister and I visited her favourite cafe while I was in Sydney so I purchased some coffee beans to bring home and enjoy with Ryo. Somehow it makes me feel like I'm sharing the trip with him and enjoying a coffee with my sister at the same time. Happy times!

Sydney Life Instyle set up...

I found this branch in the park and it was perfect for displaying the new colour cluster pendants. I love the massive windows in the Royal Hall of Industries...all that natural light pouring in is lovely.

That is my suitcase peeping out from behind the table. This is still during set up so there were some small changes made before the show began. The washi tape used to measure where to place hot toffee was removed and a couple of other things switched around.

A hint of Julie Fleming's stand is seen in the left of this image.

To see more of images of Sydney Life Instyle visit the blog or facebook page here.

love the small things...

I'm busily preparing for Life Instyle which has crept up quite quickly again. While there is still so much to do I can't help but feel excited. You see I love leaving this little studio to attend Life Instyle. Even though I will be working most of the time I'm in Sydney it feels like a mini holiday. I don't have a lap top or a phone that I can check my email on which also means there will be no access to lovely blogs. The things (on the long, long 'to do' list) that call my name here in the studio will stay here in the studio leaving my evenings free to spend relaxing (guilt free) with my sister.

If you are visiting Life Instyle (trade only event) please pop by and say hello. I will be on stand 1540 in the Royal Hall of Industries next to the fabulous Julie Fleming.

starting again tomorrow...

These are some photos of a pattern project in process last year. Lots of saffron ink and collages of tiny organic shapes to create patterns. I was studying graphic design full time at TAFE. It's something I've always wanted to do. Working for myself, by myself and from home I also think it's so important that I continue to search out ways I can push myself and add to my skill sets. Professional development! I love that we were encouraged to work on paper first and not to just jump straight onto the computers (this suited me perfectly as my computer skills especially concerning photoshop, indesign and illustrator were non existent).

This year I'm being a little more sensible and only studying part time as I felt hot toffee suffered from my neglect last year along with my life balance. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute though! I am hoping that by studying part time that I will be able to put into practice some of the things I learnt last year and things I will learn last year - after all it's not the qualification that I am seeking, it's the skills and the confidence using those skills! I am in no hurry to graduate.

So hopefully once I get into a routine with work and study I will be visiting this little blog of mine more regularly.

wrapped...

my presents are all wrapped. I used the gorgeous frankie posters/calenders again this year as I really loved the look of them last year and there were a few giggles as everyone opened them to reveal the calenders inside with my notes of dates and things to remember. I really love the black and white animal illustration this year as well as the world map.

I didn't quite have enough with the November/December calender still on the fridge so ended up using one of my past favourites (the last image) which turns out is from 2008!!! Which brings me to this question..how long do you keep your frankie calender/posters for? which then brings me to the next question...how long do your keep your frankie magazines for? I have every edition of frankie since I first came across it which would have been in 2007 at least! They are nicely stacked in two piles (towers) with other lovely magazines: real living, country style, peppermint, donna hay and inside out...none of which I can bring myself to throw out or give away..why? Each time I sit down to go through them I feel inspired so they go back in their colourful piles.

Well, enough rambling from me, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and lots of laughs and fun with your family and friends this festive season xo

colour burst

This week in the studio I've been gathering all the little orphan pieces of glass laying on my desk. I've had a lot of fun making new necklaces combining four of these little delights. They will be available at the BiDM tomorrow.

Where: Saint Augustine's Church Grounds and Hall. Racecourse Road Hamilton.

Time: 9am - 4pm

through Sandrine's eyes

GoMA entrance

hot toffee

looseleaf.paper

edward and lilly

I really enjoy looking at my work through the eyes of someone else. It's so nice to see things featured and framed in a different way. Sandrine Marsh of Sandrine Marsh Accessories took these lovely images of stalls at the GoMA Christmas market on Saturday. There are more over on the brisstyle blog.

Thanks Sandrine x

one by one

One by one I'm getting through my list of things to do & make before the Christmas Design Market at the Gallery of Modern Art this Saturday. The market will coincide with the 5th Birthday celebrations of the Gallery. Stall holders include paper boat press, edward & lilly, kimono reincarnate and more - 20 in total!

If you'd like to visit the details are below:

WHEN
Saturday 26th November
9am - 4pm

WHERE
Gallery of Modern Art forecourt
South Brisbane

Markit

I love/want/need the cloud cushion by harvest textiles in this poster! This year has gone by so quickly, it's been a busy year filled with fun and exciting things behind the scenes here at hot toffee. Now the year is at the point where is goes by at light speed. The May Markit was lots of fun and I'm looking forward to having a stall at the November one. I'm working on some special little treats with my treasure box of 'mistakes' that will only be available at upcoming markets and possibly in my big cartel shop. I'll pop back in soon with more details!