Craft and handmade

June 17, 2013

Wee Birdy is in Inside Out magazine

Now look what we have here! I’m super-chuffed to feature in the new July-August 2013 issue of Inside Out, the delightful Australian magazine that is beloved by design and interiors enthusiasts around the globe. I was interviewed and photographed for their feature on seven different kinds of shoppers – from eBay addicts to auction house devotees – and I was the poster girl for Etsy! Love it.

That’s me, third from left, and I’m photographed with one of my best Etsy buys – a hand-decorated vintage teapot by the inimitable Dutch designer and illustrator, Nina van de Goor from Ninainvorm. I’ve been a fan of Nina’s work since I first started blogging so I’m particularly proud to showcase her work in this feature.

I’m wearing a gorgeous necklace by one of my favourite Etsy designers, Jennifer Loiselle. It’s her Severine woven rope necklace in pink and orange and you can buy it right here. I’m also wearing a graphic black and white frock by Marimekko and T-bar clogs from Gorman.

Other good things in the new issue of Inside Out include an interview with UK blogger Will Taylor from Bright.Bazaar, a profile on awesome Melbourne-based artist Ghostpatrol, a round-up of the best bedside tables and a look behind the scenes (and the real-life homes) of Australian TV drama, Offspring. There are also loads of inspirational homes and shopping features with superb styling and masterful photography.

Here’s a peek at a feature styled by the marvellous Megan Morton and photographed by Sam McAdam-Cooper. I adore the clever wall feature of draped textiles hanging from a painted curtain rod, and I’m seriously coveting that Moroccan wool rug from Jardan in the second image (below).

Inside Out Magazine, stylist Megan Morton via WeeBirdy.com.
Styling by Megan Morton. Photography by Sam McAdam-Cooper.
Inside Out Magazine, stylist Megan Morton, via WeeBirdy.com.
Styling by Megan Morton. Photography by Sam McAdam-Cooper.
Inside Out Magazine, stylist Megan Morton, via WeeBirdy.com.Styling by Megan Morton. Photography by Sam McAdam-Cooper.

And check out the fabulously vibrant touches in the Orange County New York weekend home of FAB founder Bradford Shellhammer.

Architectural photographs of Bradford Shellhammer (Founder of FAB.com) summer house in Orange County NY via WeeBirdy.comPhotography by Trevor Tondro/Living Inside.
Architectural photographs of Bradford Shellhammer (Founder of FAB.com) summer house in Orange County NY, via WeeBirdy.comPhotography by Trevor Tondro/Living Inside.

Find out my Etsy shopping secrets and see more from these glorious shoots in the July-August 2013 issue of Inside Out, on sale now.

Inside Out is available from newsagents, Zinio, Google Play, Magsonline, and Apple’s Newsstand.

Connect with the Inside Out team:
Blog: http://blogs.homelife.com.au/insideout
Instagram: @insideoutmag
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/insideoutmag
Tumblr: http://insideoutmag.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/insideoutpins
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Inside.Out.magazine.au


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December 19, 2012

7 Beautiful DIY Christmas Decorations

Crafttuts+ Snow Globe Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

It’s less than a week ’til Christmas, but there is still plenty of time to get hands-on and make some really special and unique decorations for your place. I’ve gathered together seven gorgeous Christmas projects from Crafttuts+, the awesome new craft tutorials website (which I also happen to edit – quick, pop over there now and check it out!).

These crafts are all rather special and unique and they’re made by some of the world’s best designer-makers and crafters, including Kitiya Palaskas, Laura Howard (of Lupin Handmade) and Helen Frances (from Frances and Francis). Here are my top seven:

1. Snowglobe Winter Wonderland in Jam Jar by Helen Frances of Frances and Francis (pictured above). Click here for the full Crafttuts+ tutorial.

Crafttuts+ Christmas Pinatas Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

2. Mini Christmas Piñatas by Kitiya Palaskas (above). Click here for the full Crafttuts+ tutorial.

Crafttuts+ Space Invaders Christmas Decorations Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

3. Space Invaders Christmas Ornaments by Cintia of My Poppet (pictured above). Click here for the full Crafttuts+ tutorial.

Crafttuts+ Felt Christmas Stocking Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

4. Felt Christmas Stocking by Laura Howard of Lupin Handmade (pictured above). Click here for the full Crafttuts+ tutorial.

Crafttuts+ Christmas Wreath and Garland Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

5. Fabric Christmas Wreath and Garland by Eleanna Kotsikou of zdrop (pictured above). Click here for the full Crafttuts+ tutorial.

Crafttuts+ Christmas Himmeli Decorations Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

6. Geo Himmeli Christmas Ornaments by Eleanna Kotsikou of zdrop (pictured above). Click here for the full Crafttuts+ tutorial.

Crafttuts+ Christmas Paper Lantern Village Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

7. Bethlehem Paper Lantern Decorations by Helen Frances of Frances and Francis (pictured above). Click here for the full Crafttuts+ tutorial.

And you can also craft your own unique Christmas wrapping, as well. Click here for 10 Quick and Colourful Gift Wrap Ideas by Kitiya Palaskas.

Craftutts+ DIY Christmas Wrap Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

Craftutts+ DIY Christmas Wrap Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

Craftutts+ DIY Christmas Wrap Tutorial via WeeBirdy.com

Click here more amazing projects and tutorials from Crafttuts+.

Need some lovely present inspiration? Click here for all my Christmas 2012 Gift Guides.

Prefer to buy all handmade? Click here for my Etsy 2012 Christmas Gift Guides.

And don’t miss my Top 20 Christmas Crackers and my Top 20 Christmas Stockings!


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December 5, 2012

Christmas Gift Guide 2012: The Neon Edition

Wee Birdy Gift Guide: The Best Neon Presents via WeeBirdy.com

If there’s one trend that’s really taken hold this year, it’s neon. From crafty hand-woven baskets to to glossy Comme Des Garçons wallets, fluoro is the way to go. Here are my top picks for the nicest (and most definitely) brightest Christmas presents.

1. Eva straw weave clutch, AU$179 from Gorman.

2. Little leather locket by Jen Booth, AU$78 from Follow Store.

3. ‘Fluro Tower’ acrylic painting, AU$750 from Rachel Castle.

4. Woven Bead Planter (Mexican), AU $120 from Peaches and Keen.

5. Adjustable wood and stoneware vase, EUR145 from Adonde.

6. Crepe chain neon necklace, US$78 from Anthropologie.

Wee Birdy Christmas Gift Guide 2012: The Best Neon Presents

1. Knitted collar in neon yellow and grey cotton, EUR €29.90 from The Knit Kid’s Etsy shop.

2. ‘Criss Cross Fluro Sun’ felt on Belgian flax linen artwork, AU$380 from Castle.

3. Neon yellow pod with Velutina air plant, US$10 from Bird And Feather Co.’s Etsy shop.

4. Modern neon hardwood salad bowl, US$45 from Nicole Porter Design.

5. Lidded blue box EUR €56 from Foldoys.

6. Comme Des Garçons orange fluorescent zip-around wallet, £130 from Liberty.

Wee Birdy Christmas Gift Guide 2012: The Best Neon Presents via WeeBirdy.com

1. Crayon Chick crochet bowls, small $30; large $32 from Follow Store.

2. K. Jacques for Opening Ceremony patent sandal, US$172 from Opening Ceremony.

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs green and blue heart print iPhone Case, £30 from Liberty.

4. Melting Ice-Cream Tote by Jess Wright, AU $160 from Harvest Workroom by Harvest Textiles.

5. Large neon chevron cushion by Bob Window, AU$90 from Follow Store.

6. Bobbi Brown Neon & Nude Sheer lip gloss, £17 from Selfridges.


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December 4, 2012

The 20 Best Christmas Stockings for 2012

20 Best Stockings 2012 via WeeBirdy.com

So much choice, so little time! I’m not quite sure how it happened but suddenly the countdown is on for Christmas and everyone is madly ticking off their to-do lists. If you’re looking for some festive new stockings, look no further. I’ve scoured the best online designers and retailers for the most beautiful Christmas stockings, and edited it down to my Top 20.

Here they are:

1. Fox Christmas Stocking in yellow by Allenbrite Studio’s Etsy shop, US$25.

2. Freckle Christmas stocking by Little Lamb in red, AU$49 from Lark.

3. Scandi Christmas Stocking by birdyhome, US$22.59 from Not on the High Street.

4. Embroidered linen mix Christmas stocking , AU$69.95 from David Jones.

5. Cath Kidston Christmas deer stocking, £14 from John Lewis.

6. Ball cuff stocking, AU$75 from Papier D’Amour.

7. Petal Christmas stocking by Little Lamb in Turquoise, AU$49 from Lark.

8. Red ticking personalised stocking, AU$60 from Papier D’Amour.

9. Freckle Christmas stocking by Little Lamb in grey, AU$49 from Lark.

10. Marimekko Raanu Christmas Stocking, AU$59 from Funkis.

11.  Gisela Graham red Santa Christmas stocking, £10.95 from Liberty.

12. Cody Foster woven striped Christmas stocking, £59.95 from Selfridges.

13. Gisela Graham Gingerbread Man stocking, £10.95 from Liberty.

14. Circus-inspired Christmas stocking by Rocket and Bear, $19.63 from Not on the High Street.

15. Red wool star stocking, £59.95 from Liberty.

16. Karl Lagerfeld Christmas stocking, £200 from Selfridges.

17. Gisela Graham red satin embroidered stocking, £14.95 from Liberty.

18. Personalised Christmas stocking by Charlotte Cot Blankets, $64.64 from Not on the High Street.

19. Gisela Graham snowman and snowflake stocking, £10.95 from Liberty.

20. Retro Rudolph Christmas stocking in peacock blue, US$25 from Allenbrite Studio’s Etsy shop.

Click here for more nice Christmas stockings.
And click here for my edit of the 20 Best Crackers for 2012.


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November 29, 2012

How to make your own Hobbiton Miniature Garden

Hobbiton Miniature Garden via WeeBirdy.com

Look what I made! It’s a Hobbiton miniature garden – complete with Hobbits! I made this project for my brand new gig as editor over on Crafttuts+. Please come over and say hello if you love making stuff – I’ve pulled together an awesome team of contributors including Lisa Tilse from The Red Thread and Cinti from My Poppet. They’re making some really cool stuff and the tutorials are high quality with lots of beautiful photography. And we’ve got some gorgeous Christmas tutorials lined up for the festive season.

Hobbiton Miniature Garden via WeeBirdy.com

We’ve been running a series of geek-themed craft at Crafttuts+, so I thought I’d get my get my Tolkien geek on to celebrate the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Wellington yesterday. I love miniature gardens and terrariums and I’ve always wanted to make a themed one, so this felt like the perfect opportunity.

How to Make a Hobbiton Miniature Garden via WeeBirdy.com

In the tutorial, I take you through in step-by-step detail how to make each element for your Hobbiton miniature garden, including the teeny-tiny toadstools (hint: red nail varnish gives the most brilliant shine!). I will also show you how to plan and landscape your garden, and what plants are most suitable for your micro cosmos. Click here for my Crafttuts+ tutorial.

What do you think? Are you a Lord of the Rings fan? Do you like miniature gardens? Tell me in the comments below.

Photography by Lucas Boyd.


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November 27, 2012

What to order now for Christmas: Presents for babies & kids from Etsy

Etsy Christmas Gift Guide for Babies and Kids via WeeBirdy.com

Do you have any little people to buy for this year? There are loads of mass-produced samey toys around for babies and kids, so why not consider getting something handmade? Here are my top picks for babies and kids from Etsy.

1. Morris little owl, US$40 from Wassupbrothers.

2. Organic colorful little worm teething toy, US$10 from BoutiqueBeauties.

3. The Owl & the Pussy Cat went to Sea Paper Craft, US$15 from Ellen Giggenbach.

4. Newborn and toddler girls’ dress, US$36 from April Scott.

5. Mario baby onuses set of three, US$42 from The Wishing Elephant.

Etsy Christmas Gift Guide for Kids

6. Hippopotamus pillow, US$150 from Austin Plush.

7. Edie fawn print, US$14 from TinyFawn.

8. Boys shirt-little chef, US$55 from WildThingsDresses.

9. Chevron stripe sailboat, US$20 from Tweet Toys.

10. Fox felt mask for kids, EUR18.15 from Frida’s Tierchen.

Etsy Christmas Gift Guide for Babies and Kids

11. 10 minifigure people crayons, US$2.80 from Posh Paper Creations.

12. Party bunting newborn dress, US$40 April Scott.

13. Peggy retro doll, made with original vintage fabrics, £35 from Alice Apple.

14. Baby white elephant mobile, made to order, US$109 from Patricija Garden.

Etsy Christmas Gift Guide for Babies and Kids via WeeBirdy.com

15. Waldorf toy rainbow forest, US$24 from Applenamos.

16. Pretend felt veg box, £23 from Mummy Made It Me.

17. Balance birds, US$65 from Mama May I Handmade Learning Toys.

18. Hand-knitted children’s sweater, EUR67 from KuDum.

19. Crochet amigurumi rabbit toy, AU$30 from RosieOK.

Don’t miss that perfect present! Click here for my 2012 Etsy Christmas Gift Guide.

Have you got a little one to buy for this year? Anything take your fancy? Let me know in the comments below!

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