this looks like fun

Thanks to Victoria, I am seriously thinking of taking up this class. It's online, it's self-paced (one whole year to get my act together!) and chock full of great projects and much needed support. And if the cute styling above is any indication it looks stylish and fun too. I really feel it's about time I am liberated from my fear of sewing. For all the details see here.

Image: Freckled Nest

the vintage blazer

Can I show you the vintage blazer I found today?  We are up north at the moment and today I went op-shopping with a very good friend of mine in her adopted hometown.  Whilst I was on a mission, by-passing the clothes in the search for vintage homewares, this blazer caught my eye.  Very Miami Vice but in a good way with it's fresh mint colour and gorgeous linen fabric. The weather is warm here and almost feels like Spring, and this vintage Sportscraft blazer really says Spring to me. It was part of a set with a pleated calf-length skirt (ugh!), so I asked the lovely lady at the counter how much for just the blazer. Instead of costing me $5, I got it for $3. I almost feel guilty at how cheap it was! It was my find of the day.

Have a lovely weekend.

Image:  Olive & Joy

sequins and felt

Sequins and felt?  What a strange combination, I know.  But somehow it just works. Maybe it is the contrast of the soft, natural felt and the glitz of the sequins. I rediscovered this homemade artwork on the weekend whilst unpacking some boxes that we have had in storage for about 4 years. I think I probably made it about 7 years ago when I had a little more time on my hands. I was also going through a sequin-loving phase at the time. It's easy to do, just requires some patience as it takes some time to hand sew all the sequins onto the felt. I've always loved the softness and versatility of felt, and the colours are always so rich.  No wonder I love Rachel Castle's work so much! I'm enjoying seeing this everyday now it is sitting in my living room.


Images:  Olive & Joy

then and now

My Mum's store back in the seventies and how it looks today. I must admit it broke my heart a little to see it all closed up and looking unloved. So much potential! Although it was one of many stores that were left empty and unloved in this town.  On the weekend we drove to Yarraman, a small country town a few hours northwest of Brisbane in preparation for my Grandma's funeral on Monday. It was quite the nostalgic trip, visiting places and seeing people we hadn't seen for a long time.

I spent the first year of my life in this country town (though of course I don't remember that far back). We lived in the home my great-grandparents once lived in. Before I came along my Mum ran her own store as you can see above. My grandfather owned the General Store next door (which you can just see the side of on the very right of the first photo) and he bought my Mum this store for herself. So we have a history of store owners in our family, no wonder I long to have my own store one day!

I always imagine owning a store fronting onto a street just like my mother's store above. Perhaps one day I will, but for now I have my sights on opening my own online store although I would still love it to have the charm and experience that you have when you visit an in-the-flesh store.

Last week I applied to register my business name Olive & Joy and I received my certificate this week saying it had been approved. My grandmother had given me some money earlier in the year and I put it aside for just this purpose, so this was one last nod to her. She would be proud I'm sure, she admired business people greatly and loved the bustle of activity in her husband's store. There is so much to dream, plan, and do, but fingers crossed we will be up and running by the end of the year. 

Images:  Olive & Joy

blue mood

For my Grandma whose favourite colour was blue. Goodbye Muriel Olive.


Image:  Peggy Wolf Design

delicious paper goods

Some lovely paper goods to inspire you for the weekend. I would love to have bought everything at the Bespoke Press stand at last weeks markets - there were some seriously yummy letterpress cards, prints, and gift tags. I can't see these products up on their online shop as yet but I'm sure Bespoke would kindly sell them if you contact them.  Ps. If you are planning a wedding Bespoke Press designs and produces unbelievably beautiful letterpress wedding stationery. 

Below is an Original Collage Print by Tsk Tsk - bought for a lovely friend who is having a baby very soon. Awww, we love you Penny Pocket!

Images:  Olive & Joy