To Market.... to Market away we will go!

I love markets - whether as a stall holder or visitor.... Rozelle Markets, Gordon Markets, Frenchs Forest Organic Markets, Mangrove Country Markets - the list could go on!

Seaside markets, undercover markets, annual festivals, art and craft markets, farmers markets, or the inner city vintage markets .... something to suit any mood or need!

The carnival atmosphere, relaxed mood, friendly stall holders and mingling people  - browsing with a coffee in hand or with a cute dog ready for a pat ...

 

Hope you can visit a market soon!

Thoughts on creativity......

The other day I was thinking about people who chose my candles for their home or as a gift.  Its gratifying to think of the candles becoming a part of other people's lives, giving their home a sweet ambience - or being thoughtfully chosen as a gift for someone.

 

The satisfaction we have in making something  becomes even greater when we share it.  The enjoyment of someone eating the cake you made, the fun of a child trying the costume you put together ...or the card or gift carefully made at school by little hands being proudly handed over.

Here are some favourite creative moments...

My sister-in-law's fab stork cake and delectable cupcakes made for her son's christening brunch contributing to a memorable day....

... my daughter made beautiful cupcake trinket boxes as party favours for her 16th birthday

.... my sister made these pretty goat milk soaps courtesy of goats from a cousin's farm ....

The joy of making or receiving a handmade gift!

Busy making candles

This week I have been busy making candles.  I am really pleased with my efforts - they look lovely and I have tried some interesting essential oil blends such as 'Lavender, Lime & Black Pepper' and 'Lavender, Mandarin, Sweet Orange & Sweet Geranium' along with Lemongrass, Lime & Mandarin.... they smell delicious! ...



Pink themed candles of course! since pink is my fave colour

The fresh blue look....



A 'group' shot

So now I am off  to 'In.cube8r' Gallery at Mosman to deliver the candles.  In.cub8r is an amazing place - it sells unique art and crafts made by local people - its like an sumptuous pink 'Aladdins cave'....
 

In.cube8r



Then on Sunday I will be at Mangrove Mountain Country Markets. Its always fun to be at that market  - the people are really friendly and the food and organic produce is great!

Cheers

Marina:)

Going to the Flower Markets - a feast for the eyes!

I had the joyful task of accompanying my sister to the Sydney Flower Market at Flemington. My sister was arranging bouquets and flower decorations for a family wedding. I may have grumbled about the early morning start but it was worth it!

 

My favourite flower stall - Australian Flowers

I was distracted by the great array of flowers but my sister was on a mission to find bunches of beautiful cream roses



The roses made a sweet posy for a lovely bride



And graced the bridal table....

Leura Gardens Festival

Last Wednesday my sister and I went to one of my favourite places - the Blue Mountains. We indulged in the most pleasant past time for people who like gardening ..... admiring other people's fabulous gardens at the Leura Gardens Festival.

There is nothing more magificent than cool climate gardens in Spring! ... The great displays of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, set amongst towering trees while hugging the ground mass plantings of tulips, iris, helebores, fuchsias, daffodils and cyclamen.

The garden  'Illion' had a lovely display of ladies bonnets in a range of pastels.

Our tour of the fabulous gardens ended with a crescendo -  "Abbotsford" on Sublime Point Road -the name of the road is apt for such a gorgeous garden which is filled with magnificent trees such as dogwoods, a flowering cherry, a weeping elm and weeping maple. Hellebores, campanula and ajuga are set amongst beautiful azaleas, king protea and fuchsia while a winding path leads to a gazebo with the most spectacular view of the Kedumba Valley.

After a day spent meandering through gorgeous gardens in the crisp mountain air we looked pleased and satiated like the fellow below - cameras filled with pictures and minds buzzing with ideas for our gardens.

My day at the Bushland Shire Festival

On 19 September I had a stall at the Bushland Shire Festival at Fagan Park.  The day was superbly warm and sunny and the parklands were lovely. My stall was surrounded by eco stalls and next to the companion animal zone... a very nice 'neighbourhood'.

My friend Jenny helped out by providing some pretty trimmings such as a lace umbrella and flowers.  The lace umbrella shielded the candles from the sun so they wouldnt 'sweat'.... soy wax candles sound like a female... they have a memory, they sweat in the hot sun and they are perfumed.

I met nice people, sold lots of candles, had fun with Jenny who showed that she is a not only a great teacher but also a talented sales woman.

After such a warm and sunny day that gave us a taste of Summer, Spring became rather temperamental and brought us lots of showers, wind and cold weather.

Time to enjoy spring

After I left my job in the city I thought my days would be leisurely - filled with blogging, afternoon teas and gentle crafting pursuits – but with the volunteering, making and selling candles, looking after the home & family the days whizzed by and there was little time to blog, undertake projects or tame my unruly garden! Since Spring is the season of renewal its time to take stock and wind back!

Friday was a gorgeous spring day so I spent a few satisfying hours in the garden and rewarded myself with a cuppa on the balcony. Not just any old cuppa! I had a lovely cup of tea one day and was told it was Assam Tea.  So I went off to the The Tea Centre and explored the delights of tea with the enthusiastic assistant & bought a packet of Assam Tea. A while back at Gordon Markets I bought a most adorable Royale Stratford teapot for $5.00! The little teapot had belonged to the stall holder’s mother who had it as an ornament.

Being a firm believer in enjoying beautiful things I brewed the Assam Tea in the teapot. After pouring the tea I lifted my cup to the lady who had enjoyed the little teapot over the years. I savoured the rich malt flavour of the tea and the vegemite toast looking across the gum trees while the poodles at my feet basked in the sunshine ....

Truly, a ‘smelling the roses’ moment!