A Stitch In Time...!

Do you have a button tin, a cottons box or a needle and thread stowed in a pincushion? 

My first sewing basket - a gift from my mother when I was 8 years old.

Chances are you have some form of sewing equipment, even if it's just to sew on a button or fix a hem. A friend of mine was looking to start a hobby and decided to revive her sewing skills, something she hasn't done for years. 

So off we went to a store that specialises in everything you could possibly need for sewing. And I was not surprised to see the place heaving with people queuing to buy fabric and dress patterns. Why? Because an enormous amount of pleasure comes from making something yourself. The patterns below are for a more advanced sewer, but even making a basic skirt or dress can be fun.

Dress patterns from Vogue's Vintage Collection, above and below.

Butterick Retro 1950's dress patterns.

The basics in any sewer's kit.

A mountain of sewing baskets just longing for a home!

A sewing basket can stay with you for a lifetime. What a lovely thought.

While not everyone is destined to sew their own clothes, discovering or even rediscovering your love for sewing is a bit like having a friend who loves to cook. Sure, you could go out to a restaurant, but the effort and love that goes into a home cooked meal is often remembered long after the event. Clothes are a bit like that too. Do you have a memory of something you once made, had made or had altered to fit you perfectly? I'm sure you do!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Street Art Surprise!

Don't you just love experiencing the unexpected?

I'm walking down some back streets yesterday in Subiaco, Perth, when I discovered these enormous wall murals on the side of and apartment block. They are truly beautiful.

Painted by Spanish street artist Okuda San Miguel, who aims to transform urban spaces with his vividly coloured geometric murals.

Click HERE to read more about Okuda San Miguel and his work.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Old From New?

Can you pick an old garment from a new one if it passed you in the street?

I'm a lover of Mid Century Fashion - dresses and especially skirts from the 1950's and 1960's. Not only were these garments beautifully made, the quality of the fabrics meant they have lasted to this day. The floral skirt has resurfaced on the fashion scene of late with many of the prints resembling those from long ago.

Floral and border print skirts. Which one's are old, which one's are new?

Can you pick the the two skirts that were made in 2017? Hmmm....they're the skirts hanging on the far left and right. The other's are from the 1950's.

You don't have to be a vintage devotee to wear the mid century fashion look. Nor do you have to style yourself from top-to-toe in vintage to have fun with it. 

Contemporary jacket, 1950's skirt

Op shops, street markets and of course vintage stores are where you'll find a little gem that calls your name. 

My very first vintage piece purchased 36 years ago. A 1950's Bark Cloth Skirt with a metal zipper. The print is called "Paris Night Scene". And I'm still wearing it!

The Border Print Skirt. A classic 1950's look with detailed images that started at the hem.

The border print skirts of the 1950's often featured flowers, fruit, figures of people and depicted celebration.

It's wonderful to have garments in your wardrobe that make you feel good every time they're worn - no matter how long you've owned them. Over time you create your own vintage!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Fun With Fonts!

After some inspiring fonts for your graphic designs? Check out these websites and get creative.

• Good Type Foundry
• RP Digital Type Foundry
• MyFonts
• OkayType
• Process Type Foundry

I See Red, I See Red I See Red!

Red, Crimson, Ruby, Claret, Maroon and Burgundy. Why am I noticing red everywhere right now? Perhaps being in Canada for the last couple of weeks has had something to do with it. Sure, the red maple leaf is proudly displayed on buildings and signs but I'm noticing this vibrant colour more and more in homewares and fashion. 

Designer fashion at the Hudson's Bay Department Store Vancouver

Red was one of the first colours used in prehistoric art when ochre was applied to cave walls. Red has been used over the centuries to denote nobility and wealth. Red, an emotionally intense colour is associated with strength, desire, passion and love. No wonder gift stores and florists are awash with red come Valentines Day.

A little bit of red heart loving from Kate Spade

I think I'd like to get a little more creative with red in 2018. A red shoe, a glossy red handbag or a red phone case. Just a splash will do.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Coffee With Oprah!

Want a great read? One that motivates and inspires your sole. 'What I Know For Sure' by Oprah Winfrey is it. Made all the more enjoyable, surrounded by delicious pasties while the snow flutters down here in Whistler. A good book and a cafe - what else does a girl need?

Through her warm authentic style of writing, Oprah shares her thoughts on, Joy, Resilience, Possibility, Gratitude, Clarity and Power. This book reads like a conversation with a close friend - uplifting and memorable. Add a coffee and a blueberry scroll and that's just what you get.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

A Bloomin' Great Year Ahead!

Yippy! Happy New Year Everyone.

Here we all are at the start of another year. What interesting, creative and surprising adventures await us in 2018? Bring on the big magic.

I'm a planner by nature so I've started mapping out how I'd like to use my time and energy in the 12 months ahead - a sheet of A3 paper and a black maker pen is all you need to get your road map started and plan your new adventures.

I truly hope you have a bloomin' great year. My mantra for 2018 - 'Make It Happen'

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Going Positive!

I've made a decision. As this year ends and I look to 2018 I've decided it's time to ramp up the positive - beliefs, actions, thoughts and words - and listen more - inwardly and outwardly.

Want to join me?

I've revisited a couple of my favourite books of late, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and Native Wisdom For White Minds by Anne Wilson Schaef. Both books are equally uplifting, inspirational and thought provoking. They've helped me to recalibrate my thinking - something we all need to do from time to time.

"Create whatever cause a revolution in your heart."  Elizabeth Gilbert

"Listen! Or your tongue will make you deaf."  - Cherokee Saying, American Indian - Anne Wilson Schaef

Go positive in 2018 - Happy New Year!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Hello Joy!

Joy - happiness and delight! And one of my favourite words. Bring it on.

May you have nothing but joy during this festive and holiday season and loads of laughter with the ones' you love. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

The Shape Of Things To Come!

Is there a shape or an image that you notice all the time? Some sort of icon that just keeps popping up in your life. Funny hey?

Perhaps it's a dragonfly, unicorn, daisy, rainbow or star.

For me it the shape of a heart. And when I see one, it's like I'm getting a personal "wink" from the universe.

Like this morning when I opened the door to my 6am yoga class. Why does the heart shape make me feel happy? I don't know. Perhaps it's harks back to when I was given a heart shaped locket for by 8th birthday. Memories are long lasting!

I've given and received heart shaped treasures all my life. One of my most loved, 2 heart shaped cake tins my sister gave me. How can I not think of her every time I use them?

Keep an eye out for your own universals "winks" - they're out there - you just have to notice them.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules