Do you like Chandelier's?

This Chandelier was from the Birmingham Council building in the UK, on the main staircase of the building.    Its not as grand as most but I do like it!  So I got thinking about Chandelier's, they are so stylish & can make such a statement in the right room. 

The first chandelier appeared in the 14th century, with designs made of wood & candle fittings, but the wax ruined the wood so it was changed for metal.

I found these two which are my favourites from Royalty Lighting.

The first picture would be nice for a porch entrance, the second one I would love to have that in the main entrance to my new house, I think I could get away with it!! My husband might be having words about that though:) as he isn't a Chandelier guy!   Maybe I could sneak it in to my bathroom instead, hung over an old fashion bath!   Mmmm how decadent; I can dream!!!

These two pictures are the Chandeliers at the Casino in Monte Carlo, which weigh over 140kilos each.    Did you know Chandelle means Candle in French?

At the turn of the 17th Century their popularity grew & were found in homes all over northern Europe, and by the 19th century they were obviously  becoming more elaborate & extravagant.

Now this grand Chandelier is from Konopiste castle in Prague, it was made by Josef Palme who received a royal permission to build a workshop in Prachen.   These quickly became  known as Bohemia Chandeliers.

All information found from Abby chandeliers the Monte Carlo images forgot where I found them so please let me know if they are yours & I will remove or credit you.

Thinking

Mmmmm, my head is spinning with ideas of what to put on my blog this week, as I had an extremely busy time preparing for a local weekend market.   

I thought this picture was appropriate for my mood.   I love the hat too.    It is from Plumo, a web site in the UK. 

Building Project

With much thought I have decided to share my building experience with you. My husband & I have brought half an acre near the coast in central Queensland.

This shot is from the back of the block looking south.

View from front of block. The road is a dead end, so we will have no through traffic and no houses straight in front of us, I am so excited!

Looking towards the rear of the block. The land behind has a preservation order on it so all the trees have to stay; it's going to be so private.I just have to decide on the plan's now, I keep changing my mind as there are so many gorgeous design's I love. I think I have chosen the right one now, so I'm of to see an architect friend tomorrow with all my ideas, for some advice.

Living in Tropical Queensland, there are so many considerations with the build due to the weather. The house needs to be built around those elements, such as heat, humidity, a strong constant wind during the summer and, of course, the odd cyclone!  

Finch Hatton Gorge

This weekend has been good fun.   I have had family staying, so its made me stop & go out on some road trips near to where I live; thought you might like to see.

This little Kookaburra was a cheeky fella.   We stopped for a picnic and I was happily eating a tuna salad sandwich &  he swooped down, snatching it straight out of my hand!   It all happened in a flash and my heart was going, I can tell you.   He delicately took it from my hand as his beak never even touched me!   He must have had his eye on the prize, that's for sure.

Will be going back here in the summer to swim in the gorge with the kids.   They would have gone in if I'd have let them, but the water was very cold.

Next stop Airlie Beach

This Oleander tree was full with blooms.   It's so pretty, just a shame it is a poisonous tree.   If the leaves are chewed it can make you very sick so best not to plant in your garden if you have small children.

I hope I have brought a bit of spring early.    I am lucky the winters in North Queensland are glorious.

Bollywood Cushion

Thanks  Kellie at Ada & Darcy who inspired me after she left a nice comment about my Bollywood Birthday post I wrote a couple of weeks ago.   She mentioned that the fabric I had made costumes out of would make a lovely cushion.

So I got to work looking for all the fabric cut offs I have stashed  away in my many baskets & luckily I had enough to make this one off exclusive cushion.   

Its going to have to go on sale at my Etsy store now, if I can part with it!!!!!!

Eco- Natural Flax Linen

Coming Soon to The Feathered Nest

The wonderous feel of natural fibres are not lost on today's consumers, nor were they lost upon the ancients.   For thousands of years, linen fibres have been the choice material for the making of clothing and bedding.   Historical evidence of linen use stretches back to 8000 B.C.E., where it was clearly extremely valuable. Linen shrouds were placed upon the dead in ancient Egypt as gifts for the wealthy and powerful to take with them into the afterworld. 

Although the term is often used generically to refer to weaves of cotton and other fibers, real linen is spun from fibers of the flax plant. Flax can be grown in a variety of climates, but Belgium, France and the Netherlands are considered to have the finest linen flax. Linen bed sheets are prized above all others for their amazing comfort, durability and beauty. A linen comforter is tough to beat for its warmth and luxurious feel. Thanks to its hollow structure (imagine a bamboo shoot), linen also absorbs water better than most fabrics, making it excellent for dishtowels and also for clothing comfort, as it will absorb the body's moistures. 

To create linen, the flax undergoes a process of agricultural and mechanical changes. First, the plants are retted, or left to soak in dew that collects on them in the mornings. The dew and sun combine to dissolve the pectins in the fibers. The fibers are then rippled, which is the process by which the flax seeds are removed and scutched, the process of separating the fibers from the wood of the plant. Now that the fibers are pure, they are spun into yarn and then woven into cloth, which is bleached and dyed. 

In the past, flax was retted by leaving it in a river, but this pollutes the river with the remains of the dissolved pectins, so it has fallen out of favor in flax processing. Using dew and sun works as well, if slightly longer. Given this change, however, linen processing is among the most ecologically sound processes. Every part of the plant is used after it has been cut from the ground. Various parts of the flax plant are used to make textiles, paper, paneling, insulation, paint, soap, food, and medicine. Few products are so efficiently used as flax. 

Pretty Dress

It's coming up to my little niece's 1st birthday so I have been thinking what to get her; she has so many different toys.  I decided to search the net to get some inspiration, & I came across this cute little dress from Jellybeans.

I thought about buying it as it's so cute, but I remembered about some fabric which was left over from some upholstered notice boards I had made.    My mind was made up, I would have a go at making it myself  & when Charlotte grows out of it, it would look lovely in her bedroom on a pretty hanger on her bedroom wall.

The cute little buttons are from Francheville.

I cut out some flower shapes to add a contrast on to the fabric, using interfacing to hold it in place while sewing the sequins around the flowers, instead of using an applique stitch.

It just has to be finished off with an accessory and what better than a little head scarf.   She will look so cute!   Happy Birthday Charlotte!

Fesyen Solekan Wajah Terkini - Innocent Pleasure Majolica Majorca

Serikan face with a luster solekan summer Innocent Pleasure Majolica Majorca pearls that shimmer vessel. Pembayang eyes gave the impression Jeweling Eyes shine off from all corners of the jewel, brought in eight color options each with only four different color combinations for a unique effect every time solekan.

Collection consecutive season this show Balsam pewangi limited edition Majoerotica with haruman epal and everlasting flower fresh throughout the day without feeling melekit.

It can be used on the chest and ankle and hand, and ear lobe hujung get an impression of hair accessories for perfume.

For the nails, limited edition coloring Artistic Nails, Glow & Quick Jeweling Line and color in five fresh rasberi or epal the rapid dry, lustrous and fragrant.

------------------------------------------------

Serikan wajah dengan gemerlapan solekan musim panas Innocent Pleasure Majolica Majorca yang berkilau bak mutiara. Pembayang mata Jeweling Eyes memberi kesan kilauan permata dari segala sudut, didatangkan dalam lapan rona pilihan setiap satunya dengan empat kombinasi warna berbeza untuk kesan unik setiap kali solekan.

Koleksi musim ini turut menampilkan balsam pewangi edisi terhad Majoerotica dengan haruman epal dan bunga segar yang kekal sepanjang hari tanpa rasa melekit.

Ia boleh dipakai pada dada dan pergelangan kaki dan tangan, cuping telinga dan hujung rambut bagi mendapatkan kesan aksesori wangian.

Untuk kuku pula, pewarna edisi terhad Artistic Nails, Glow & Quick dan Jeweling Line dalam lima warna segar rasberi atau epal yang cepat kering, berkilau dan harum.

Koleksi Solekan Nutritious Vita-Mineral, Estee Lauder

WOMEN all ages need to layer up and keep kesihatan skin that always remained sihat and principled.

Jenama leading beauty, Estee Lauder introduced a collection of nutritious solekan up to put out the typical signs of fatigue, and renew your skin with beauty solekan perfect.

Series of product powder Tabur nutritious Vita-Mineral with SPF15/PA + + and cecair basis nutritious Vita-Mineral SPF10/PA + + diformulasi with Pomegranate extract, nutrien pemangkin and antioksida such as Vitamin C, E, iron, magnesium and potasium.

In addition, the collection contains nutritious mineral complex with the function to protect the skin barrier, such as ultra violet mineral titanium dioxide powder in addition to the mikrosfera hide your face when the skin defect silica also absorbs excessive oil.

Tabur powder and nutritious cecair principle can easily be used at all Estee Lauder kaunter countries.


---------------------------------------------

WANITA segenap lapisan usia perlu menjaga kesihatan diri dan kulit agar sentiasa kekal sihat serta berkeyakinan.

Jenama kecantikan terkemuka, Estee Lauder memperkenalkan koleksi solekan Nutritious yang direka khas untuk memadamkan tanda-tanda keletihan dan memperbaharui kecantikan kulit dengan solekan sempurna.

Rangkaian produk bedak tabur Nutritious Vita-Mineral dengan SPF15/PA++ dan cecair asas Nutritious Vita-Mineral SPF10/PA++ diformulasi dengan ekstrak Pomegranate, nutrien pemangkin dan antioksida seperti Vitamin C, E, zat besi, potasium serta magnesium.

Di samping itu, koleksi Nutritious mengandungi mineral kompleks dengan fungsi melindungi kulit seperti penghalang mineral ultra ungu titanium dioksida selain bedak mikrosfera yang menyembunyikan kecelaan kulit wajah manakala silika pula menyerap minyak berlebihan.

Bedak tabur dan cecair asas Nutritious mudah digunakan boleh diperoleh di kaunter Estee Lauder seluruh negara.

Hadiah Hari Bapa - Crabtree & Evelyn

Father's Day greeting after not long, Crabtree & Evelyn offers some of the special reserve gift praktikal and all according to the father.

Them, face washing Natural Solutions For Men, face pelembap Post Shave Relief and grooming kit consists of the set cream Terrace, post shave relief and face washing.

Or, give a gift a father haruman the Nomad collection so sweet aroma with exotic ginger, bamboo and fragrant Serai green for a father and a brave sukakan odyssey.

Nomad EDT shipped in 100ml bottles worth RM120 combine haruman teak and sandalwood perisa with ginger and Serai.

In addition, the Nomad Calming Shaving Cream, which is among the most gentle cream formula also contains antioxidants and Vitamin E. What did the father give the product Head-to-Toe Nomad grooming kit is worth RM320.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Sempena sambutan Hari Bapa tidak lama lagi, Crabtree & Evelyn menawarkan beberapa cadangan hadiah istimewa yang praktikal dan sesuai untuk semua bapa.

Antaranya, pencuci muka Natural Solutions For Men, pelembap wajah Post Shave Relief dan Grooming Kit terdiri daripada set krim pencukur, post shave relief dan pencuci muka.

Atau, berikan bapa hadiah haruman semula jadi koleksi Nomad dengan wangian aroma halia eksotik, serai wangi dan buluh hijau untuk bapa yang berani dan sukakan pengembaraan.

Nomad EDT didatangkan dalam botol 100ml berharga RM120 menggabungkan haruman kayu jati dan cendana bersama perisa halia dan serai.

Di samping itu, Nomad Calming Shaving Cream yang merupakan antara krim paling lembut pula mengandungi formula antioksidan dan Vitamin E. Apa kata berikan bapa produk Head-to-Toe Nomad Grooming Kit ini yang berharga RM320.

Fesyen Beg Terkini - Bag Coach

ANY season jenama beg of choice most famous Hollywood celebrities, Coach will introduce the latest collection exclusively for penggemarnya.

This time jenama from the United States of America becomes an increasingly frenzied women appear Malaysia with a collection of the name Poppy for Fall 2009.

Executive Creative Director for Coach, Reed Krakoff said, for the special collection for the drop this season he meneroka-deep in the characteristics of women who use the Coach before this.

The results, showing the collective Krakoff beg hand, slippers and accessories with bright colors, patterns and prints and the use of labuci latest fabrik.

"In short, this is Poppy collection jenama Coach sustainability that also would provide a choice and taste for the new Coach peminat various layers of the age," he said in a fact issued recently.

May be concluded, this collection comes with a breath of fresh, young look and stylish appearance for a more forceful.

Once he participated in electrical current carrying elements of the retro with various combination of colors of pure light.

This collection displays the hands beg Spotlight Shoulder the classic shape a little but still captivating.

Starlet Satchel purse also shines with the shine off the metal and the more resistant fabrik energetic.

Beg also tote Glam up for the user, and zip keselesaan interesting.

Poppy collection also showed the influence of retro elements in addition to the obvious femininity terserlah.

You may not setakat style with hands beg even sandals, accessories, glass eyes and clothing chosen for you to complete your Poppy on this season.

Poppy also created a logo which typically take inspiration from the painting symbolizes the vigorous Graffiti this collection.

Bollywood

After reading Rajee Sood's blog the other day it reminded me about my Bollywood birthday party.   I was not blogging then, so I thought I would share it with you now. Here goes my epic, I hope you enjoy !! 

All my invites, table settings & menus were custom designed by The Linen Paperie.  I just had to keep them they are done so beautifully; they always come up with a unique design.

This gorgeous fabric is from a little shop in Brisbane called Rani Creations. It is from a sari I purchased.   Sari's are around 9 yards in length.   If you want to know how to wear a sari, have a look on Sari Safari; it has some nice info if you are interested.

I decided to have a go at making some outfits for some of my family & friends.   We did have a lot of fun wearing them.    We performed a bollywood-styles dance, which I choreographed as a suprise for all of my guests.    Now that was really good fun!    Shame we didn't video it as I could have put it on you tube.    I think my performing harem girls were glad of that, as they are not quite the exhibitionist that I am; HEE!

I just love this sari.   It's what I would love to own!   Maybe in my dreams & if only I was 20 years younger!!    If you want the real thing you can always purchase one of these gorgeous saris from a great website in India called homeindia .com.    They are simply stunning.    You would certainly make a statement.

These stunning jewels were kindly modelled for me by my niece Rebbeca, who looked absolutly stunning in them.

You can really stand out from the crowd with these.   You can purchase them from fusion Jewels.   Some of their gems are just wow!!   I want to go to India, I just love the exotic colours; and Bollywood is just so happy and vivacious; maybe its the performer in me?

My garden was the spot for our exotic location.    I had some of my family & my dear friend Allison to help with putting it all together.   I couldn't have done it with out them; thank you guy's. What a night :) The catering was by The Spice Avenue.    It was fantastic; it is the best Balti in Queensland.   I am just so upset we never got a picture of the party in full swing, I was too busy parading around in my costume!

I know I was lucky to have my marquee & I loved how it was put together, but this one from Sangeeta International.  is so opulant.   It would be great to do up; got me thinking for my next significant birthday.

The table flowers were a wash of bright gerberas which added to the viberant bollywood colours, which I so love.

I found most of these fake flowers, to put on the drinks table, in a shop called Loot.   So glad they were not real, as they are now sitting lovely in a glass vase, with hundreds of shells around them, in my family bathroom.    I will always remember my best birthday ever, well they say life begins at 40!!

I wanted to give a little keep sake to my guests, so I made these little draw string bags.  I embroidered the bollywood writing on them; each bag had a naturel soap inside, mine is in my bed side table making my clothes smell fresh still!!

If you didn't have the time or oppertunity to make the little bags, I found these delightful clay candel diyas from Indian gifts Portal.     They are adorned with Kundan beads & filled with sparkle wax.

Hope you enjoyed my bollywood birthday...I did!!!

Apron customized

Its that time again when I get out my fabric that once had a different use  & make it in to something else. 

A while ago a good friend of mine had some fabric chair covers, which I took apart & I used the fabric to make some tote bags, which I featured on my blog earlier this year.

I had a piece of fabric left, so I decided to make an apron for Allison to wear in her new kitchen.

I did seams in the side panels which is okay, but the seam across the waist I didn't want to see (too many joins). 

I found some satin ribbon so I decided to attach it, to hide the waist seam.   I also added the ribbon to the pocket edge.   It looked so nice; I decided to then use it for the neck & waist ties.    Its 25mm wide which is a good width, & it keeps it all flowing beautifully.

Hooked on Buildings

Chaddesley Corbett

I have been checking out Julie's Hooked on Houses site again, totally addicted!   Will be getting loads of inspiration for when I get to start building my house.

Anyway Julie got me thinking; it took me back to my root's & I came up with these three buildings that have different characteristics.  Photo's courtesy of my Mum, thanks Mum!!

The top photo is a little cottage in the village of Chaddesley Corbett in Worcestershire; the wisteria climbing on the building is just gorgeous.

Stratford-upon-Avon

This one is from Stratford-upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare was born.  It is such a quaint country cottage; it makes you want to go to the village for a cream tea. 

The Crooked House

And finally there is this wonderfully shabby building.  This has now been converted from a miner's cottage, to a public house.   The illusion is enough to induce an unsettling effect in the stomach; either that or one too many pints of Mild (a dark English beer) have been drunk!   What a building this is The Crooked House, in the Black Country in the heart of The Midlands, England. Inside the flooring is level so you don't fall over (only after a few pints). 

I have added a link if any one wants to read about some of the history.