Classic Rocky Road!

There's something special about homemade confectionary - fun to make, eat and give away. Four simple ingredients are are all you need to make this delicious Rocky Road.

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One bag of marshmallows, 3 bags of wild raspberries, 2 cups of unsalted peanuts and 4 blocks of good quality chocolate.

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Chop marshmallows and wild raspberries in half and melt chocolate over a double saucepan of hot water. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and add all ingredients to the chocolate and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a tin lined with baking paper. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into chunky pieces. 

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Make your Rocky Road using milk or dark chocolate - add cashew nuts if you prefer. Yum!Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Make your Rocky Road using milk or dark chocolate - add cashew nuts if you prefer. Yum!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

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.

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.

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

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Butterick Retro 1950's dress patterns.

Butterick Retro 1950's dress patterns.

The basics in any sewer's kit.

The basics in any sewer's kit.

A mountain of sewing baskets just longing for a home!

A mountain of sewing baskets just longing for a home!

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

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.

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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?

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

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!

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 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.

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

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

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

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