MY WORK

MAKE IT / concrete candles

I have to admit. I love my job, Seriously I do. I work with the best people, some of my nearest and dearest friends. And this issue of Homestyle is no different. It is packed with great people, amazing homes, and another little something from yours truly! It is also an issue dedicated to the women who brought us into the world. So in keeping, I raided my mothers collection of goodies, the beautiful wood tea trolley, brass jug and feathers, all from her curation. And she was even there hands on helping me, foraging for the Eucalyptus, mixing up the concrete…I tell you what, being pregnant is the only time I will ever get away with letting my mama carry everything! So thanks Coco Darling!…In that respect, three generations made these concrete candles. 

So here are some out takes. My mood board influenced by the ever talented Stephanie Somebody, and Ariele Alasko. The way I prepare, good old story boards, A snap of the goodies I used to style and the final product. My little behind the scenes if you will.

And finally, the how-to!

STEPS

ONE Start by rinsing out your containers. I used Pringles canisters, but you could use cardboard milk cartons, or anything else you can cut the top off to pour the concrete in, and tear away once it’s dry.

TWO Make up your concrete, following the instructions on the pack. Make sure it is thoroughly combined and the right consistency. NOTE: The more water you use the smoother the finish. 

THREE Using a funnel, pour in your concrete up to the height you want. Then tap the base on the ground to settle the mixture and get rid of any air bubbles. Top up if you need to. Push and jiggle the candle into place, making sure it’s straight and stable. Let the candles dry overnight.

FOUR Remove from the mould by tearing away the cardboard container – there may be a bit of concrete dust when doing this, so it’s best to do it outside. Finally, I washed mine in cold water and used a hard bristle brush to clean away any residual dust. And you’re done – go grab a lighter!

And to see the whole feature go buy yourself a copy, and maybe one for your mum.

 

Until next time

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SUMMER CINEMA // DIY

Summertime is here, the New years creeping up fast, And Homestyle and I have the perfect New years eve party for you!

We bring you the backyard movie night!

You will need ::

1 Great backyard
1 large sheet
1 Clothesline
1 projector
Cute invite, You can download HERE
A few palettes
Mountains of blankets and cushions
One brilliant movie
Some great people to share it with!

With you large sheet and clothesline, you have set up your make-shift screen! So just line up the projector, connect it to the computer, and away you go ( I needed my handy computer wizz, but I am sure you are all capable! You can also always depend on Google ) Pop a couple of palettes around the place with cushions and blankets. Snuggle time galore!

And finally, Treats. Ice cream Floats.  A bit of trip down memory lane, these are super simple and pretty darn yummy!

You will need ::

Vanilla Ice Cream
Strawberries or summer fruits
Lemonade
Pink Grapefruit Juice
Jars – Mine were from Countdown
Cute Straws – From Collected

First pop in your Ice Cream, then slice in some fruit, pour 1/2 with Pink Grapefruit and then fill up with Lemonade. Cute straw to finish and Bam! Done, So easy!!!

Enjoy your summer!  ( Or winter for our Northern Hemisphere friends! )
Keep safe and see you in the New Year!

Follow my summer adventures on Instagram!

Until then!

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Blackbird for HOMESTYLE magazine

Finally I get to share some of my exciting news!
I am now a contributor for Homestyle Magazine! I get my own regular little Blackbird corner, And the first one hits your new stands this weekend!

In this issue we revel in the glory of summer! With staycation dream homes, including our dear friend Claire & Alex from Wildwood. Wes Anderson inspired camping and some delish Caribbean recipes. And a little Outdoor Cinema action from yours truly!

Be on the look out for your own downloadable invites and popcorn cards!!

Until next time.

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THE SCHOOL // Auckland

The weekend just past was spent in some rather good company.

The School made it’s way over the ditch to come teach us a thing or two.
Of course the glorious Megan Morton, the founder was there, and ever hilarious Sophie the stylist.

I attended the Kara Rosenlund Vignettes course and the Stephanie Somebody instagram debunked course. All pretty darn brilliant, All equally worthy of the babe title.

Meeting so many interweb pals in real life, sheesh. Babes, babes as far as the eyes could see.  An absolute gathering of goodness.

They are all a bunch of bloody talented women, who have mastered their art and I won’t see much else, except it you every get the chance. Go.

Think I may need to head to over soon for a few more.

Until next time.

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