Pics of Pillows or are they Cushions?

Gemma Comas is a talented Interiors Photographer. I like the way she captures these cushions! They form part of her impressive portfolio.

Posting Cushion Covers on my etsy shop has got me thinking about whether I call them "Cushion Covers" or "Pillow Covers". To me a pillow is something you sleep on at night and a cushion is something you sleep on during the day [when you catnap on the couch!] I realise that it is an American thing to call 'cushions' - 'pillows' and that the rest of the world calls 'cushions' - 'cushions'! I found some help on the subject here!

Paper Cutting

I enjoy working with paper. A number of years ago, my German friend Gertrude introduced me to the craft of Scherenschnitte. I tried my hand at few projects at the time. I found some of my old cutouts the other day. I remember how, thanks to my simple snipped projects on my window, I was able to have 'cows grazing under the trees' or 'geese pecking at the flowers outside'! I came across the amazing work of Kanako Yaguchi. She uses the Japanese paper cutting method of Kirigami to inspire all sorts of beautiful products!These designs are like super-duper stylish snowflake patterns. Pop over to her web sight to see what she's been up to here or read more about her at Pingmag here.
PS.Remember Heather of SkinnyLaMinx's Cut Tut! It is classic inspiration to start wielding a craft knife straight away!

Blue Poppies

I've finished another scarf pillow cover! I snapped it yesterday in the late afternoon light. [I like the way these covers look good from the top and sides too, because of no seams there - and the pattern continuing around!]

It had some good 'blue' company in the form of a check linen table cloth - a delightful scrolled thrifted vase and a beautiful pot stand, bought for me by my sister-in-law, from a street-side market when we popped over into Germany on our recent visit to Belgium.

Tree of Happiness

Happy Spring day to those of us in the Southern Hemisphere! This is a silhouette of the magnolia tree in my garden which is bursting into flowers, before the leaves arrive!I was so delighted to receive a Tree of Happiness Award from Flower Press! [The creator of some beautiful gocco prints]
I have to list 6 random things that make me happy! Here goes:

• My first cup of coffee in the morning! I make it on my trusty espresso machine and usually have it together with my husband.
• Browsing through Design magazines or books at my local bookstore
• "Finding" something full of potential at the local charity shop
• Painting things white! It improves most them!!??!
• My home at the moment. We have been doing bits and pieces of renovating - and I am liking the outcome!
• Travelling to Cape Town or overseas. I love being exposed to creative ideas in a different environment!

I am going to pass this award on to Estelle [she doesn't have a blog YET, but she is such an encouraging reader of mine]

Everyday Objects

I am always intrigued by the beauty of everyday objects. I just love how Boex designed this award winning, quirky Pencil Bench to incorporate an everyday office object into a piece of furniture! The pencils can be removed and used! Now which one had the nice sharp point again?

Another Award - Thanks!

A while ago, I was awarded the Brilliant Blog Award by Double Takes and [along with another award already mentioned] by Sweet Paul!I thought I would pick up some more folded- paper- vintage- book theme stuff from their blogs before passing the award on -

Double Takes recently featured this table made from folded magazines [originally on Apartment Therapy]

and Sweet Paul has just done an amazing article for the September Country Living titled "A Way with Words" - using the written word in crafts.

I am going to stick with the paper theme and pass this award on to:

Paperiaare whose blog documents all her beautiful hand made books and jewellery

Paperschmaper who blogs about all sorts of interesting paper related topics

Bent Objects who does the most amazing things with paper clips and wire

Some More Gloves

I am almost finished a series of Glove Cushions, which will soon be in my etsy shop! Just look what Martin Margiela designed with gloves: Visit his sight for more of his design - Repurposed, Recycled and New!

Eyes to See...

I am fascinated by my daughter Christy's ability to see. When I notice that the Arum Lilies have died off, I think about grabbing my clippers.

Christy sees the beauty and thinks about grabbing her camera!

Covers!

I have restocked my etsy shop this weekend! I have some more vintage scarf cushion covers and a few more blouse cushion covers. Talking of covers...
I have new linen slipcovers on my couches at home - and I love the way they refresh my own cushion collection!

Pictures by Peynet

I have a few precious vintage scarves which I am making up into cushion covers. I have made each cover in such a way that the scarf is not cut up at all, but simply folded and stitched!

My favourite is a whimsical French one - so - I really was pleased to read Heather Moore's article on illustrator Raymond Peynet a while ago. His work appeared on porcelain, dolls, books, medals, statues and my scarf!The drawings are so simple and they tell a love story! It is going to be very hard for me to put this on my etsy shop, but it will be there soon!