Sunday, June 9, 2013

Dream Achieved - Market Day

It had always been a little dream of ours to have our own market stall to sell our art and craft.  We love creating but what do you do with all the stuff you make.  You can only give someone so many journals and lets face it we spend so much money on all the supplies you really need to be able to recoup some of that money back at some stage.

Liana was always so keen to have a stall and spent ages checking out where they were all on and how much they cost etc.   She located a few reasonably close to home and that weren't going to cost a huge amount to be a part of so started pushing me to commit to one.  It was all becoming a little bit too real and then I got nervous and scared and thought no-one would want to buy my stuff, that it wasn't good enough etc etc. 

Liana then visited the Canning Bridge Arts and Crafts Market in May and said they looked really good and that there were lots of people around and we should book a stall at the next one in June.  I decided I just had to bite the bullet and give it a go.  If we didn't try we would never find out and they weren't that expensive so if we didn't sell much we hadn't wasted too much money.  We went on line and filled out the application only to find out that the June Markets were to be the very last one as they were closing them down.  They had also reduced the price as it was their farewell market, even better still.  However, we also felt sad as now we had made the decision to try the market and now it was going to be their last one.  Now we were both feeling a bit nervous but I must admit a little bit excited.

Anyway we were signed up so it was all go.  We got busy building up our stock to make sure we had plenty to sell.  Liana was busy arm knitting to make as many different coloured scarves as she could.

 My hubby even went out and bought us our own gazebo to use over our stall.  He has always been my greatest supporter of my creativity.

Finally the weekend was here and it was all go. We stayed up late Friday night making price tags, making sure we had everything and packing up what we could.  Saturday my Mum and Dad were having their garage sale so we would be spending most of the day over there.  As it turned out I wasn't well when I woke up Saturday morning and spent most of the day in bed.  Liana and Mark were left to help at the garage sale without me.  Liana made the decision that her and Mark would still do the market without me if I wasn't well enough but I wasn't going to let her down and leave her to do it on her own.  It was our dream, so I was going to go through with it no matter what.

We were up early Sunday morning 5-45 am (very hard on a Sunday morning I must admit) and on the road by 6-30 am, yes it was still dark.  We arrived at the markets 7-30 am and began setting up.  Some of our planned display didn't work but we just had to reassess and make do with what we had.


Once it was all set up it did look really good and I must confess I did feel quite proud of our little stall. The weather was freezing which in one way was great as Liana sold quite a few of her scarves but I think it kept the people away plus it was also a long weekend. I am happy with the little amount that we sold, I would be happy to do some more now that we have done this one.  We met some lovely people who were so welcoming and encouraging as they knew it was our first time.  They told us not be disheartened as it was a lot quieter than normal and told us of other markets to try.








I am so grateful that I have a husband who supports my craft and was happy to spend his day with us, helping us to set up and hang around until we had finished.  I really enjoyed spending the day having quality time with my family.

Now that we have done it once, it won't be so scary next time, we have everything sorted that we need for the day so it shouldn't be so stressful.

We can happily keep crafting away now knowing that we will have an outlet to sell our stuff and we have proved that dreams can come true :) you just have to take that initial leap even if it is a little scary.


Saturday, June 1, 2013

Market Bound

Hey guys, Liana here :)

We have some exciting news!
Lilyden Creations is going to market!
The Canning Bridge Arts Market to be precise. TOMORROW!

We made the decision to go after I went and checked out last months market. The sun was shining, there were people singing, dancing and so many beautiful stalls! Sometime during the next week we finally took the plunge (we'd been planning to do markets for what feels like forever) and be booked our stall!
 
Just a few of the owls we have been busy getting ready for market!
 
So there you have it. We had three weeks to organise everything and no time to blog :(
We still owe you a blog on how our garage went!
 
Speaking of garage sales it was Nanna and Pop's garage sale today. Of course when I got up this morning it felt like I was on the North Pole, my toes are still numb!
I went to help out and sell a few more clothes out of my exponentially growing wardrobe and I came home with this...
 
 
 
I'm going put a fresh coat of paint on it and put it in my house... when I have one...
 
So that's really it for now, I have to go make some more goodies for the markets!
Have a great day :)
 
 

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Liana's Graduation

Wow I cant believe how the time just flies and we are now into April and it seems like forever since I have blogged.  Liana's Graduation was back in February and I cant believe I havent got around to sharing it until now.  I did start a post a few weeks ago and I have come back today to finish it and it has disappeared so I guess I shall have to start again. 

Liana graduated from Curtin University on 7 February after studying 4 years and now has her degree - Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine).

These are a few of the photos before the graduation.

After sitting through I dont know how many graduates it was finally our girls turn and we were so proud and excited to see her receive her certificate.  She had worked so hard for 4 years and had worked to put herself through university.  It was all over in about 30 seconds but we were so thrilled to see it and so very proud.
The ceremony ended with the 2 ladies from Divaliscious who were on Australia's Got Talent singing The Prayer which was absolutely beautiful and gave me juicy eyes and then the sky lit up with fireworks which were spectacular and a beautiful ending to an amazing night which left me with tears running down my face.  What can I say, I was one very proud (and emotional) Mum.

Liana is now working at Fremantle Hospital on a 12 month contract as a Medical Scientist. She is loving her job and her life.  As parents we couldnt be happier or wish any better for our girl.  She has a lovely man in her life that treats her like a Princess.  We wish her every happiness in the future and hope all her dreams come true.  I must say though I do still miss her not being at home but I do love the time we get to spend together and sharing our love of all things crafty :)

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Getting Ready for Winter!

It feels like forever since we have got to blog! Life has been one busy roller coaster lately but we have still been enjoying the ride. 

Lately we have been hitting up the markets on the weekends checking out all the lovely handmade stalls and getting inspired, most recently the Perth Upmarkets
Soon we will be packing our stuff and heading off to market too! Exciting!

So although we have been much busier than we would like (with things not creative!) we have had a little time. The latest new project - Arm Knitting! 

First try was okay, second try - so very very pleased with the result! 

As a result the local spotlight nearly ran out of wool....



Can't wait to make many more ready to keep us warm this coming winter and to stock our market stall with!

Speaking of markets - we are participating in our first online market! You can find it here.The market is for handmade items for Babies and Children. In the market you will see  two of our 'Amelia Owl's' along side many other gorgeous handmade items.

Don't forget to like us on facebook!

Everyone take care out there - blog again very soon :)

Sunday, February 10, 2013

My Empty Nest

Last Sunday was a very sad day for me as my girl moved out of home and has moved out into the big wide world on her own to learn to be independant.  I guess I should be happy as I did manage to have her at home for her 21 years but it was very hard to cope with.  We have always had a very close relationship and when she moved out it felt like I was losing my best friend.  I know we will still see each other regularly (I have the most amazing craft room that she will miss) but I had so many emotions going on like no longer being needed and my role as a mother had finished.  Probably silly I know but I assume this is what they call the empty nest syndrome.

So we packed up all her stuff, soooo many clothes and headed off to her new room in Alfred Cove.



This photo is of Liana driving up, looking very happy so I told her she shouldnt look so happy to be leaving home so we took this one too just to make me feel better.

These photos are outside her new home and her house number.



So we dumped all her belongings into her new room which is pictured here.  It was a magenta wall.  We then headed off to Ikea as Liana wanted to buy a new bed and chest of drawers preferably in white to match the wall.  Mark entertained himself riding around on the trolley.


We then headed back to her room and of course she needed Dad to help put all the furniture together as it all came flat packed.  

Here she is looking very pleased with her new bed.  Her bed head was out of stock so she will have to get that in a couple of weeks.
 It is such tiring work supervising your Dad :)
So by the time we had finished building all her furniture it was about 7.30 pm and time for us to say goodbye and head home. I tried to be very brave and told Liana that I wouldnt cry in front of her and did sort of manage to keep myself together until we got into the car but Liana had to ask one of the other residents to move their car so she came out to the car then to see us off and did see my juicy eyes.  I cried all the way home, Im such a big sook. 

Anyway I have survived my first week without my girl, we did see her Thursday night when she graduated which I will blog about soon and she came home this weekend as she had a 21st birthday party to attend and needed to use the craft room to make valentines cards.

Thinking on the bright side, the house does seem to stay tidier when she is not here :)

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Paper Piecing Challenge

This weekend was the boy's Birthday, so I combined the Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Paper Piecing) with my need to make him a card.
I always find cards for males so difficult!

here it is:

 
 
Using the Kaiser Craft Paper Packs made is so easy to find matching papers

Monday, January 21, 2013

While Mums Away

Mum is currently away with Dad for the week down south and so I have take over the house with craft! yaaaay :D

I'm still keeping up with my new years resolution to participate in the Simon Says Stamp Challenge! This week the challenge was to use washi tape. Limited by a choice of only 2 washi tapes I designed this card


P.S. I'm sure mum will fill you in with all her photos from her trip next week, she has been teasing me with them all week so far!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Black/White + Splash of Colour

Just a quick post to enter in the Simon Says Stamp Challenge! (I'm keeping up with all my resolutions so far, yay!)




This is a variation of my Christmas Joy card that I made many of over the Christmas period (seems like so long ago). The papers are all Creative Memories papers from their Black and White pack, I used Stampin' Up punches, stamp and ink pad.
I love this card design, I think I am going to need to think of some more variations for it!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

The Poppy Project

Poppy – The Owl of Strength and Positivity




This owl is dedicated to our friend Poppy, who is sadly fighting a battle with cancer. Through all her trials Poppy has been strong and courageous. Her positive attitude is so inspiring; she truly has a fighting spirit.
Poppy is one of a kind, she has shown us how truly kind and giving one can be. It is for this reason that we would like to donate $5 from every Poppy Owl that we sell to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.  


The ACRF is a not-for-profit organisation where every dollar of every donation (100%) is dedicated to helping find the cures for cancer through continued funding of world-class cancer research

Poppy Owl's are $25 and will be lovingly handmade when you place an order. We can custom make Poppy in the colour of your choice too :)

If you would like to make an order please email us at lilyden.creations@westnet.com.au or pm us on our facebook page. 

Monday, January 7, 2013

Hello 2013!

So it seems we are already in 2013! Between all the shopping, food and family I seem to have lost the last month completely!

2013 has already bought some big changes for us here, seems it is the year of change! As this is the case I decided to make a new years resolution for the first time in years. Once I started I couldn't stop!

1) Eat breakfast everyday - I am terrible at getting up on time and I'm a very fussy eater in the morning, oh well... challenge accepted.
2) Run at least 2 times a week - Mum and I are registered for the colour run in Feb but the last time I went running was back in October when my boyfriend forced me and oh boy was it painful... challenge accepted.
3) Practice flute at least 2 times a week - I have seriously missed playing flute and hate that I don't sound anywhere near as good as I used to, so while I am house sitting hopefully I can get back into it while no one has to listen to me... challenge accepted.
4) Stop eating at the Dome - When I do eat breakfast you can nearly always guarantee that it's because I am sitting at the Dome eating the 'Big Breakfast.' I am going to save so much money... challenge accepted.
5) Continue getting craftier - Since I finished Uni in 2012, 2013 will be the year I begin my working life full time and I don't want that to mean that crafting gets pushed aside. So I have decided to try and participate in the Simon Says Stamp Challenge! So far so good, I've finished the first challenge and Mum even did one too!
The theme was 'Something New'
I made a card for my Nana & Pop's New Home (one of the changes of 2013!)

For this card I used Creative Memories Square and Circle Punches, Sweet Birdie Paper Pack, Stampin' Up Big Shot and Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Stampin' Up Scallop and Decorative Border Punches, Ribbon from the scraps box and good ol' Microsoft Word and a printer :)
Mum also joined in and made me a diary for the New Year with New Beginnings. She thought that since I got a Full-time job I might need to be more organised, we will see how that goes!



So I guess we will see how I go keeping up with all these New Years resolutions! 2013 sure is looking like it will be a great year!