love, balance and everything inbetween...

It's been a long time between mutterings. Now finally there is hope for some balance with a new year to start everything off.

There has been a lot going on the in the blondebratpack world. With all the blondes being solo for a number of months whilst their 'knight' was out hunting and gathering. We held the fort, now back together.

This did get me thinking more so of valentine's day and what is means to everyone. So, any thoughts?

A long break from your hubby, partner, boyfriend or companion makes your heart play crazy tricks on you and the beat is a little different. I don't think you feel any differently if this is forced on you or you choose it.

So with February 14 fast approaching use this as an excuse to do something grand either at home, going out or even a walk. It doesn't have to be grand, make the pledge to your relationship and do something.

' til next time. xo p



an active mind needs sleep

Think, think, think or should I say thud, thud thud. My mind is continually on the go and a possible 'thud' onto my pillow would be terrific.

Now whilst I sincerely believe forcing yourself to get to bed at a reasonable time has merit, it is the insomniac in me that is fighting this decision. This is not helped by the mind constantly on the go.

Any suggestions to change this around? All welcome.

'til next post. xo p

my love of paper continues...

I have been getting lost in many a blog lately (or should I say daily!) and I found this amazing envelope project. Tara Bliven features on a blog ephemera and her penpal envelope project is simply amazing so have a peep at her challenge at http://blog.ephemera-press.com/.

Here's a sample...

I studied calligraphy years ago and being left-handed I had to use a copperplate nib to get the angle right on any of my work. It's something I so wished I could have master but gave it away.

Don't they look amazing.

'til next time. pip

my creative space

Well this was a fabulous find. I am seriously going to have some fun creating clothing with this stuff. Not sure how it will all turn out yet but will be putting some ideas together for my next market soon.

'til next post. xo p

remember when...

Friendship bracelets were so big in the 80's and are making a comeback. Well in my own backyard anyway. I found this fabulous tutorial from the Purl Bee and am going to give it a whirl.

A divine creative pal of mine has a pantechnicon of embroidery floss she is selling. I wonder if there is any cotton amongst it all.

I am going to teach my daughter this craft. Keen to do the same then take a look-see over at here at The Purl Bee and twist and knot away to make as many bracelets as you can.

'til next post. xo pip

my creative space

My girlfriend/I were talking hoops a few weeks ago and she beat me to the post with getting her design up online. Me in my typical "I'll upload it in the morning" attitude took a while to put it up. I had it ready to go the afternoon of our conversation (hehehe, three months ago). What's more interesting is that we did something the same but different.

The same being... a hoop, background fabric, a letter and some blanket stitching.

The different being... our fabric choices and style.

Here's mine...

Her's her's...

'til next post. xo pip

a room with a view

Well you simply must get to see Jayde at little paper lane. She has the most amazing paper world you could imagine and I have not walked in yet. You can get her paper yummies online via facebook and she posts nationally in Oz.

Oh, for the day to see that 'room with a view'. It will happen.

She has just commissioned Matthew Roland for her new window totally out of paper and I am in love. Check out Matthews blog here he is one very clever dude!

'til next post. xo p.

string-a-long

My daughter is obsessed with anything "bead-ie"... necklaces, bracelets, on clothes... the works. Life just is wonderful for her, let's be 6 again.

School holiday fun is great and we both got creative this morning over a cup of coffee, hot chips (her choice, I am trying to cut down, seriously!) and creative. I was making tops for my business blondebratpack handmade and she was stringing beads.

At one stage the whole cup of beads landed all over the coffee table... it was fun trying to collect them all.

Overall a great morning.

'til next post. xo p

love love love

Enough said I think.
'til next post. xo p

copy-cat, plagiarism, stealing or form of flattery? - you decide

When is your idea simply your idea and copyright sticks?

It seems to me that in the creative world albeit corporate or small business your creation is fair game.

I dealt with ownership & copyright extensively with clients in the corporate field. The advertising and marketing field is notorious for the IP (intellectual property) battle and who own's what. It was "oh the client owns it" (as it's their product) and the "agency owns it" (as it is their creative direction and strategy). These ideas could not be born with out the "ideas people".

What happens when the "ideas person" is simply YOU!

There are many creative integrity pledges online at the moment and whilst you can't keep a design process to yourself the concept can at least be well, left alone!

Mind you I am all for healthy competition as this makes you stronger but it's hard when it's within your inner circle. Most would say "hey get over it" but when it's your small business you get passionate.

Bottom line here peeps;

** be passionate about your business
** don't steal ideas from others get inspiration
** keep it real and with integrity

'til next post & thanks for letting me get this off my chest. xo p