Friday, 30 January 2009

Kokeshi Doll










Here is the latest addition to the shop.

I'm planning on making a few of these,with a bit of punk pink and blue hair ,in different styles too.



Not that there's much work going on right now,Mairi went back to school on Wednesday and Skye's first day back at daycare was yesterday and I achieved zilch!
I mopped around missing them,the school holidays were so fun and I hate being home alone.
I love what I do,but I find in the solitary nature of having an online business difficult.
Any other extroverts out there running a home business?

How do you stay motivated?



Monday, 26 January 2009

Tomato's!!!!!!


Check out my bounty!

Well,my hubby's the gardener so it's down to him mostly.

This year we planted grape tom's and we couldn't be happier with the result.

We grow organically and the bigger tomatoes have always been a killer,full of pests,this year was the best year yet,no pests.

I highly recommend them.

I turned this lot into a sauce for pasta and pizza bases and froze it in portions.

The secret in combining the fresh and sweet caramelized roast tomato together.

Try it....trust me....it's delicious.


Mel's Tomato Sauce


3 kilo's of grape or any tomato(homegrown or in season are best)

1 medium brown onion,finely diced

5-7 cloves of garlic,finely diced

a handful of fresh mixed herbs(thyme,sage and parsley are best)chopped finely

1/4 -1/2 teaspoon of salt( to taste)

Olive Oil


Toss half of the washed tomato's into a baking dish with a dash of olive oil,a little salt and half the herbs.

Use your hands to mix thoroughly.

Roast in own juices for about 45 mins at 200C.

Meanwhile,blitz the other half of the tom's with a handheld blitzer of food processor until liquidised.

Soften,the onion,garlic and remaining herbs in a deep frying pan over a medium/high heated until translucent ,add the fresh blitzed tomato's,reduce heat to low and simmer for around 1 hour until reduced to a sauce consistency.

Add roasted tomatoes and reduce further if needed.

Add a pinch of salt and taste,you may need to add more depending on the sweetness of your tomato's.

Use as a pizza sauce or serve with pasta and fresh basil.

Divine!


On another note,my huge 6 month gap from blogging has been due to my little business doing well and the fact that I've been under the weather with morning sickness for the last 4 months,as baby number three is due early June.

I will be getting my act together,this year,with weekly posts from now on(there I've said it out loud now I have to do it).

Thursday, 26 June 2008

For the etsy gods!


I've been a bad,bad blogger, not making time to write.
I've been busy working on my latest offering's to the etsy gods!
Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Gotta love pressies!




A wee while ago the lovely Apryl from Merdian Ariel organised a vintage swap and I was lucky enough to get get her as my partner.
Here is part of my present I received,an original painting from the lady herself.
I love it,it's on the wall above my sewing machine.
Check out her etsy shop,she has to die for jewellery too.
Pictured here too is a gift for our little friend,Simeon,who turned 2 last week. I don't usually do boy's clothes,so I'm glad it was well received,he looks super cute in it.
I've been feeling a bit like I can't be arsed with stuff at the mo,here in Sydney it's been raining for 2 1/2 weeks,nothing for some,big deal for moi,were are you Mr Sunshine???I promise I'll never take you for granted again.....

Friday, 30 May 2008

Rawbit!





This week I've made a rabbit softie and matching top for a friend's little baby.
It has a matching mini bunny on her hand to snuggle up to at night.
I had so much fun making it.
Meanwhile,at Casa Ainsworth we officially have a toddler now.The tantrums,the climbing,cheekiness.
My Goodness!
I forgot!
I can't stay cross very long though,how can I check that look out!

Thursday, 15 May 2008

Fabric Finds


I love fabric like this,it reminds me of my childhood,although the colour scheme for our house was more orange and brown.
Picked this up at a garage sale on Sunday,destined to be cushions and a bag for me and maybe highlights for some little dresses for the shop.

Monday, 12 May 2008

Working Hard

I've not posted for a while cos I'm trying to make and stock my etsy shop with 2 items (at least) per day. Not an easy feat with 2 younguns!
Anyhoo,I was putting off blogging cos I didn't want to just plug my shop,but guess what...that's all I'm thinking about at the mo,so here goes.
Look at these pretty skirts!
Happy belated mother's day to the mummy's out there.