Off on Holiday

France and Tokyo here I come. 

I'm off in 9 days so the next blogging will be from

the streets of Tokyo. Then onto Paris and south into

the countryside and a taste of Spain. I couldn't go to

the south of France without a visit to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim.

On the hunt for new and fabulous fabrics and anything else i can find.

I'll be back in Sydneyland early October.

Where to find cool Lamp Bases - Top 5

When i display my lampshades at markets, i have a few on lamp bases but alas these are just to show off my shades and not for sale. My idea is that you buy a great new shade and recycle an old base you already have. Or hunt down a cool second hand one. 

People often ask me, "Where do you find your lamp bases?"

(this one came from my mum & dad, one i grew up with and now my daughter has it in her room)

1. www.ebay.com.au

It's something you either have to be lucky at or very persistent. I have bought three great lamp bases, and made sure they were within pickup distance.  All in working order, but i did get them checked by an electrician for safety and a bit of maintenance was needed. They were worth it though, all three for under $100; one carved floor lamp and two small table lamps.

    

2. South End of King St, Newtown

Boardwalk - 527 King st, great ceramic 60s and 70's style bases, & wooden standard lamps. Chat to chris who owns the store, nice guy.
531 on King - have quite a few standard floor lamps.

Towers Antiques - 539 King st, great selection from a variety of eras.

Rosebud Antiques - bit further down King st on the same side.

Wonderland on Alice - 104 Alice st, i think they are only open Saturdays. Real treasure trove.

3. Junktique - 62 Glebe Point Rd, over 3 levels.
Make sure you have lots of time, you can really get lost in there.

4. Mitchell Rd Gallery - 76 Mitchell rd, Alexandria.
You can't miss it, big yellow building and make sure you check out the auction house downstairs to try and get a bargain. But so much to look at upstairs. 

5. Street Gods *FOR FREE*

I live in the inner west of Sydney and there is nothing like walking my dogs to find a treasure left on the footpath or in a back lane. I've found three of my best this way 2 marble beauties and a gorgeous wooden standard lamp. They all needed rewiring of course, and after a bit of tender loving care stripping back old varnish and polishing them up; they look amazing (especially with the right shade).

  

But don't forget about Vinnies, they usually display lamps in the window so have a look next time you walk past one. 

If you are getting a lamp rewired, ask about having a cotton cloth covered cord. They look so much nicer than plastic and don't usually cost that much more. 

In the Press! Shop 4 Kids

This is my first time in a magazine and i'm so happy with the layout i'm part of. 

Fingers crossed this leads to bigger and better things. xx

They chose one of my favourites; Purple Cinderella fabric from Japan mixed with stripes, dots and gorgeous roses. 

 

Top 5 Online Fabric Shops

Shopping online has revolutionised my fabric world. 

There is so much choice now, but i find it does stretch me to my financial limit sometimes.

Just soooo tempting. But none the less, i wouldn't be able to create the quilts and cushions i do

with out the help of the late night shopping tool. 

So here's my top 5 online fabric shops - 

1. www.etsy.com

I can't go past etsy for variety and many sellers are so helpful with providing extra yardage, is there another colour available? or even cheaper postage options (Japan mail service can be expensive, so do enquire about SAL sea air lifted) so don't be afraid to ask questions. Sellers are based all over the world, but there are many Australian sellers too. 

2. www.reprodepot.com

Again, big variety and based in America. Great for vintage and retro inspired designs.

Make sure you check out the shipping info to get the best value out of your order,

the postage is worked out in block amounts for a certain amount of fabric.

3. www.fabrictales.com

Beautiful Japanese designs in traditional and contemporary style. Fun kiddy  and floral designs.

4. www.duckcloth.com.au

Great little Australian store, nice to order on our own shores and avoid the international postage!

Beautiful range with a handy navigation system to browse fabric by designer, colour, style and weight. 

5. www.earthgirlfabrics.com.au

Postage is FREE within Australia, what more can you ask for... oh, fabulous fabric! 

This shop has it all and beautiful ribbons and patterns too. 

here's a couple of extras....

+ www.funkyfabrix.com.au

Based in Queensland, with a retail store too, lovely range of retro and contemporary styles.

Large selection of Japanese and European designs with loads of browsing options when looking for something in particular.

+ www.quiltersstore.com.au

Big variety of old world, traditional styles and based in Queensland. 

So if you're in the area you can visit their shop in person. 

Make sure you check out the William Morris designs! I haven't seen these before.