diary date

There is one week to go until our first event of the year, I'm so excited to be launching the new Rabbit & the Duck range at a local event. The Tweed River Art Gallery Handcrafted Market promises to be full of lovely local designer talent, I'm already writing out my shopping list.  

For those who live in the Brisbane / Gold Coast / Northern NSW area, and feel like a day out on Saturday, it is definitely worth the drive to the Tweed River Art Gallery - I'd love for you to visit and say hello!

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend xx Shannon.

a bit more happiness

I may or may not be baking my third chocolate cake so far this month. BUT it *is* a good friends birthday today, and they are coming over this afternoon, so what else was there to do except get a cake in the oven? I knew you would agree : )

xx Shannon.

happiness

Another sneak peek into our new range, pop the date Monday June 3rd into your diary - this is the day our latest offering of purses, pouches, homewares and other lovely handmade things will be available. I'm getting a bit excited about the impending release, but also a bit overwhelmed at how there still seems to be SO MUCH to do. What have I been doing these past few months? Oh yes, moving house, studio, finding my way in a new part of the world... I must remember these things when I'm lying awake at 4am going over my mental to do list!

Product photography by Sandrine Marsh of ImageInCafe.

One of our new products are these bunting flags, though I prefer to call them 'happiness' flags as they make me smile whenever I look at them. I have a string of the colourful flags hanging above my bed, they are a cheery way to wake up each morning.

Wishing you all a happy day.... Shannon xx

this week...

I've been up early most days, and have seen some truly beautiful sunrises.

I've spent time digging over a new veggie garden, and putting my first seedlings in.

I sat in the sun at the local farmers market, drinking chai while getting to know new friends.

I picked an enormous pumpkin from the neighbours garden. It's currently roasting in the oven.

I got to pat a python, and had a green tree snake climb over me - eek!

I went to the yearly cabaret show at the local town hall, and was uplifted by talented performers and the wonderful energy of a community coming together.

I've baked yet another chocolate beetroot cake, it's currently cooling on the bench and the shack smells divine!
I've been grateful for where I am right now, in so many ways.
Oh, and I did some sewing as well, our new range will be unveiled in only 2 weeks time - hooray!

Happy Sunday.... Shannon xx

handmade + fair trade twine & ribbon in store now

What I am meant to be doing right now is sewing snap purses, there is a big pile of them that I can see out of the corner of my eye, waiting to be pinned together. But I couldn't wait to show you this absolutely stunning new stock that I found on my recent trip up to Brisbane, I've been busy photographing and playing and putting it in the online store this morning.

This twine is made from hemp - it is hand spun and hand wound into balls by women in Bangladesh. It has the most amazing texture and the colours are so gorgeous. When I was winding it onto the cardboard bobbins I could imagine the women working together in groups, pulling out the fibres, combing, and spinning the hemp into twine.

I think my favourite new product is this cord made from recycled cotton sari's. Each length of yarn is unique, depending on the colours and pattern of the two sari strips that were twined together. This yarn would be perfect for crochet, knitting, gift wrapping, or even a spot of macrame.

Also new in store is a range of coloured jute twine. This string is also spun by hand by women artisans in Bangladesh. The colours are so bright and pretty!

All of these new products are certified fair trade, providing the women (who often live in poor rural areas, or are widowed or divorced) with a means of generating income for themselves and their families.

Right, time for lunch, and then some sewing. Those snap purses are not going to sew themselves (oh how I sometimes wish they would!).

Shannon x