Vintage Finds

Some of my most favorite things I own, I've bought from Op shops (thrift shops). This is my all time best handbag ever! Its a hand crotchet bag with a yellow lining. Bought it for $5! and the handles are removable so I through it in the wash from time to time. I love that someone else has made it...

And here is my other fav handbag from an Op shop. This wasn't second hand, but it was so quirky I feel in love with it as soon as I saw it. and for $13 I couldn't say no. It's made from a cane like weaving, sequins on the handles and organza flowers.

whilst I few flowers have popped off, I love it!

Shopping in vintage and thrift stores is definitely like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get! But they can be as sweet as ever.....

Inspired Vintage Make Over

Cate Blanchette in a Jean Paul Gaultier Couture

silk and velvet gown. Image courtsey of Vogue

This pic of Cate Blanchette (awesome Aussie actress) has been stirring my inspiration for some time. I just love, love love the textures and soft pastel colours against the black pompoms!

Jean Paul Gaultier gown, no less.......

My favourite colour at the moment is soft pinks, beige and whites, so when I found a soft pink cardi at the Op Shop for $2.50 it was definitely coming home with me. You know when an image from your collection of pics just pops into your head, well that image of Cate on the couch in her JPG gown came to me.....with some tulle and floral braid my Op Top now has a new look.

And heres my spin on it.

I'm sure I'll find a perfect time and place to wear it....maybe I could recline on the couch tonight in my new couture!

Creative Discoveries

I've put together my most favourite creative elements into a weekend workshop. Its going to be a great ride....here's what we'll get up to! 25th-26th September, in Hervey Bay.


Vintage Discoveries.... Come on a fun excursion with me, to some of the choice Opportunity Shops in Hervey Bay. You'll learn how to find the best materials to use for mixed media artworks and what to look for in a vintage piece, either to recycle or wear. You'll be given a huge range of on-site tips to make the most of your opportunity shopping.


Journal Discoveries.... Learn how to Journal your discoveries, where we will build up layers of backgrounds and textures, blend colours, cut and paste to complete feminine, affirming images and messages. This workshop is being held in my own studio.....so you'll be surrounded by much inspiration!


Collaged Canvas Couture.... Discover how to create a tactile hanging artwork with collage, on canvas. Using art techniques that include loose painting, stenciling, mono printing and hands on doodling. Combine this with some machine stitching and recycled fabrics to create a loose strip 'skirt' to hang behind and complement the canvas.


I'd love to see you there, so if any or all of these workshops appeal to your sense of creative adventure you can check out further details at my website. or email me!

my opportunity

This morning I woke early and it was just a bit cold. There was a crispness in the air that made me feel that winter was on its way.I snuggled under the covers and thought about my winter wardrobe. Living on the Queensland coast there isn't alot of opportunity to get the winter woolies out. I pictured one of my latest "Opportunity" purchases and wondered if the day would stay cool enough for me to wear this pinkiest of pinks coat.

But alas, the day warmed up and it was not to be. Not yet anyway.

I even have a bag to match. an opportunity purchase too. sometimes I find the best things!