What's been keeping me so busy.......

I've been so crazy busy lately, that I have sadly neglected updating you all about the interesting things happening in Finki land.

We've officially moved in and unpacked every last box.

Finally got the Internet back up and running.

Started renting a new studio at Olive Grove so I could reclaim the dining room as a place that one might have friends over to eat in.....

and most exciting of all, with the help of little sis ........'Finki' has spread it's wings in to the world of fashion and started making clothes....

Not just any clothes.

Funky, spunky, retro and bright delights, strictly for the plus size gal.

Why plus size? Well to state the obvious ( but some of you, may not have met me) I'm a plus size gal.

I have been a size 20 for as long as I can remember. So rather than fight the continual fight of one day being skinny, I decided to make all the clothes I've ever wanted to wear, but haven't been able to as the mainstream fashion world stops at size 16.

The Finki fashion label goes from size 12- 20, but it is a plus size 12-20. So think more like the sizing you would find at My Size, City Chic or Autograph....not Supre' and the likes....

So far we have a funky knee length A-line skirts, that..... get this......sit on your hips, not all the way up to your ribs!

Then there's the most flattering top/vest you'll ever wear. It covers the fadubadahs, the love handles and all, whilst having a shaped body and peeka boo back. So it's sensible and sassy all at once. Perfect for layering with a bright 3/4 body tee in winter or singlet in summer.

Also on the rack is our first pinnie.
Who could resist, spots, ric rac and big red buttons.

Everything pictured is available in store now at 'Olive Grove studios' 159 Sydney rd, Brunswick, Vic.

Next on the cutting table is some body tee's, cardi's and dresses.....

Not to mention my first screen is good to go, so I'll have some screen printed clothes with 100% original Finki designs coming up real soon.

So, so exciting.

I'm just loving it all and my wardrobe is excited to see some color at last.....

I'll be back soon, to update you more on the house, the studio and life in general.

Jayxx

Mays design challenge..........

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.........oi, oi, oi.
Lds and gentlemen, grab your souvenir tea towels, whip out your nations pride, get the didgeridoo fired up and pop the billy on to boil cause the design theme for May is no: 27.......1: Planes, trains and automobiles
2: Turning Japanese
3: Weird science
4: Birds of fancy
5: Music and dance
6:Graffiti7:Wild west
8: Fantastic Flora
9: food, glorious food................. (why didn't I think of that!)
10: Seeing circles
11: It's hip to be a square. (imagine the interpretations...cubism art, square shaped teddy bears, the 1950's dag)
12: Steam punk
13: Technological
14: European travels15: The great vacation
16:I see red, I see red, I see red....(or whatever color we choose this month)
more...
17: Space....the final frontier.
18: Circus
19:Romance
20:The animal kingdom
21:Our furry friends
22:Disco
23:Outer space
24:Rumba
25:Bubblegum
26: Australiana
27: Indigenous Australia

What could you explore for this one well, firstly a definition.
Indigenous: Originating and living or occurring naturally in an area or environment.
So....we haven't specified people, place, mineral, animal or plant for this, just that it be something that originated or occurs naturally in Australia, so you may choose to celebrate the people, the songs, the dream time or represent the flora, fauna and wildlife. Choice is yours.

I can think of a few fab tea towels I have that would make great stools, or pillows but that wouldn't be stretching myself at all. Been there, done that. So I'll be doing a little research on this one to come up with something more challenging.
Don't forget, the rules are pretty loose.....just be inspired by each theme and create whatever your heart desires. Jewellery, art, clothes, sculpture, photography or even a meal......if it's your original design from your two hands, then it definitely meets the challenge.

If you haven't joined in on the 'monthly design challenge' before, of course you are welcome to start now. This is not a yearly challenge. Just a monthly one. So if Feb inspired you, but March didn't that's quite alright by me. Just jump on board when the goings good and when you finish your project make sure to send me a link to your blog post or pics so I can show n' tell your work on here for all the other challengers to see.

For some inspiration this month check these out:

Rainbow serpent by: Maiawalli Art

Kanga love print by: Crowbiz
Australian map paper bird by : Cotton bird designs
Budgie crotchet pattern by: Crotchetroo
wildflowers zip pouch by: Paisley pathways
Kakadu soap w' native essential oils by: Inner Earth Soaps
Australian wildflower greeting cards by: Kathryn Jewkes
Screen printed Kookaburra bag by :Mim
Nerys ceramic necklace by :Hannahfaerie

I feel like dancin'........

This months music and dance theme for the design challenge seemingly presented as an easy one, but alas........ I have once again failed to meet the deadline.

Seems I'm reverting back to my old school habits of taking on project after project and having 10 on the go....but none of them completed to be handed in.
So I promise to play catch up and share them as I finish and really I'm just proving to all who have yet to take part, that I really truly mean it when I say.....These design themes are to inspire you and maybe lead you in a direction you may have not explored. So if you find inspiration and finish a little something, whether it be within the month or months later, please still share it with us.
Motivation and inspiration has this wonderful snowball effect and even if you think your collage, craft or design is not dynamic and mind blowing enough to share...I bet...... I absolutely bet that you have not given yourself enough credit for what your hands can produce.

Just knowing others are out there finding inspiration each month definitely challenges me to keep my mojo going and even though life has been so hectic of late, your emails remind me to see ones own crafty goodness in everything you do.

I love that.

I love that everyone has there own flavour added to each theme and end up creating such different things.
So without further ado here are some more inspiring works for this month 'music and dance' theme and some new additions for previous months design themes:

Isis over at Isis made took some brilliant photo's of circley type shapes around the house to fulfill the challenge for February's seeing circles challenge.
(I've just thrown them all together in a collage here, so pop on over to her blog to see the real deal)

The talented Betty Jo over at Lino Forest whipped up this nordic looking windmill brooch for the March 'European Travels' design theme.

Laura from Lily and me made these cute skirts as gifts for the party goers at her daughters 4th birthday instead of giving out lolly bags....what a great idea.
This fit's in perfect with the April design theme 'music and dance' as those little girls sure did dance to loud music thanks to Laura's crafty genius.



Nina lise over at Mrs.Moen has captured pure elegance and grace in this beautiful quilt. Choosing Swan Lake as her motivation for this months 'music and dance theme'.

and mini Idey Spidey here, is modelling her new ballet wrap made by the creator of cute......Sarah-Jo over at Idey spidey.

Thanks so much for joining in Ladies. Keep emailing me pics or links to your blogposts of your great creations for each months challenge so I can share them with everyone.

Back later today to draw this months new theme.
Jay xx

Aprils design theme....

Thanks to random org we have hit the jackpot and scored the fabulous number 5 as our topic for this months design theme.....
Why so fabulous?
Lets skip back a post or twenty and we see that number five is....
1: Planes, trains and automobiles
2: Turning Japanese
3: Weird science
4: Birds of fancy
5: Music and dance
6:Graffiti
7:Wild west
8: Fantastic Flora
Edited to add some great suggestions, (thanks Gypsy)9: food, glorious food................. (why didn't I think of that!)
10: Seeing circles
11: It's hip to be a square. (imagine the interpretations...cubism art, square shaped teddy bears, the 1950's dag)
Some more great additions, (thanks Margaret)
12: Steam punk
13: Technological
More ideas..(thanks Fab and Jennie)
14: European travels
15: The great vacation
16:I see red, I see red, I see red....(or whatever color we choose this month)more...
17: Space....the final frontier.
18: Circus
19:Romance
20:The animal kingdom
21:Our furry friends
More ideas....thanks Cam22:Disco
23:Outer space
24:Rumba
25:Bubblegum
New additions, Thanks Sarah-Jo:
26: Australiana27: Indigenous Australia

Music and dance. Yay!

The power of music...makes the heart sing and the feet tap...
Lots of inspiration to draw from there.

Bird playing guitar by: Barking bird art

Rock star teddies, music sheet collage, piano key charm pendants or a dancing taco?!...

Take your time, let inspiration find you and remember Everyone is welcome to join in. From the novice crafter to the professionals, your spin on things is what keeps craft alive in all of us.
So make, share and be merry.
Jay xx

A travel inspired month.....

Well much like the short month of February, the design challenge for March has just flown by.....

In my neck of the woods we have moved into our new house ( photo's and more info later) found a new place for sis and her littlies and spent a crazy 2 weeks of school holidays setting up house for us all.
Along with having no Internet access for 2 weeks, I've proven to be a BAD BLOGGER this month and a terrible hostess of the monthly design challenge......

Alas, we have one more week till Mr. phone line man can come connect us back with the world...or my bloggy world at least, so I'll have lots of catching up to do....LOTS.
Till then check out some of the inspiring craft all the other faithful challengers have come up with this month for the European travels theme for March's Monthly design challenge:

Some too cute transfers from Kylie over at Tiges and Weince

A Parisian cushion from the talented Sarah-Jo at Ideyspidey.

European travels quilt by Nina Lisa over at Mrs.Moen the not so secret life of a quilter.

The Bonjour Cherie cushion by Felicity over at Flicketty splits

a truly stunning necklace from Sue over at Divajools

and this fun travel inspired gadget pouch from Cam over at Curlypops

If I've forgotten to include you in the monthly wrap of challengers, please let me know, it's been one hellava month and I'm bound to have forgotten sharing with you some of the fabulous challengers who possibly emailed me early on in the month....

Thank you to all who joined in, even though I couldn't make the time to update you regularly this month I have been constantly inspired by the beautiful work you all present each month and I'm so grateful you all make the time to join in.

I'll be back later to draw Aprils theme....A wee bit late.....apologies again.

Why oh why .....

Wells bells, it has been one pscho month.
The sort that tests every ounce of patience you have and leaves you wondering .....Why oh why....
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The house is finished and we are buried in boxes whilst we manage the ever delightful task of moving house.....

Whimsy village tall duo: by Art house arts

There have been many lows and many highs which I will be back to report on in full once settled.

Just wanted to let you all know, that all is good in my world.

Normality....or the best I know of it, will be returning soon.

Till then,

Don't forget to send me pics of your travel inspired craftiness for this months design challenge to share with all,

Don't forget to live a little, love a lot

and don't forget..... this too...shall pass!

Jay xx

The theme for March's design challenge........

Thanks to random org we have had number 14 selected as the lucky number for this months design challenge.

Flicking back to our list of possible themes we can see that.....

Dadadadahhhhh.....

Number 14 is:

1: Planes, trains and automobiles2: Turning Japanese
3: Weird science
4: Birds of fancy
5: Music and dance
6:Graffiti
7:Wild west8: Fantastic Flora
9: food, glorious food................. (why didn't I think of that!)
10: Seeing circles
11: It's hip to be a square. (imagine the interpretations...cubism art, square shaped teddy bears, the 1950's dag)
12: Steam punk
13: Technological
14: European travels15: The great vacation
16:I see red, I see red, I see red....(or whatever color we choose this month)
more...
17: Space....the final frontier.
18: Circus
19:Romance20:The animal kingdom
21:Our furry friends
More ideas....thanks Cam
22:Disco
23:Outer space
24:Rumba25:Bubblegum

Take your time, let inspiration find you and see what wonderful things you can come up with this month.
Don't forget everyone's welcome to join in, there are no right or wrongs and it's entirely up to you how you interpret the theme.
A book, necklace, quilt, top, shoe or cup cake.....
You're only limited by your own imagination...Think big.

Send me links or pics when you're done so we can share your 'European travels' creations with all.

A little collection of 'European inspired' goodies to get you thinkin'......

World traveler Magnet by : Kimiko611
Destination bus roll canvas by: Geezees
Eiffel tower decal by: wall decors
Luggage by: Cheeky vintage closet
Friendship pop up card by: Paper leaves
Travel journal by: Leather maps
My little airplane by: Earrings nation
Keep calm poster by : the keep calm shop
Venice photo print by: Scarlet beautiful2

Circles challenge complete.....

So the end of February also brings around the end of this months design challenge. I don't know about you but those few less days we have in February seemed to make all the difference this month. Well that and possibly the many things going on in my little house at present that left little time for creating anything new.

But I could not let one month go by without having made a little something new.
I decided to hit the fabric stash for this months 'seeing circles' challenge and make a new necklace. I've been fabric wrapping bangles of late but wanted to use fabric somehow for necklaces. I thought of doing yo yo's but decided on pin wheels instead.Not entirely sure of how to do them I cut up a scrap of fabric and experimented with winding away.

Happy with how they were shaping up I pulled out some of my favourite red fabrics and got them ready for winding.

After each circle was done I just laid them out into a shape I liked, slip stitched them together and sewed on two loops to join the chain.

Dadah!..... Another challenge met.

I quite like the way it turned out and might make a few in different colors for the Northside Makers market.

How did you go for this months challenge?
Don't forget there are no fails in this challenge, so if you're only half done....carry on crafting and send me pics when you're done.

Back tomorrow to draw the new challenge theme for March...

Circles here and circles there.....

A few more circle delights to round up the monthly design challenge for February.

Sue from diva jools created this amazing necklace out of a combination of laminex samples, pieces of plastic bowls, wire, rivets and Greek ceramic beads.

Created entirely from scratch right down to the custom toggle closure. Just gorgeous.


The lovely Nina from Norway lent her patch working talents to creating this fabulous mini art quilt titled " Ode to a turkey neck"

As much as I'd like to deny it, my side profile knows exactly what your talking about on this one....
Such fun Nina, thank you.

Next the lino queen, miss Betty Jo has taken lino to a new level and made some 'seeing circles' inspired earrings.

Very cool indeed.

Thanks for joining in everyone and don't forget there is still time to send your pics my way to be included in Feb's round up.

seeing circles...

Lots of exciting new things are drifting into my inbox for this months design challenge.

Let me show you the first few to embrace the 'seeing circles' theme and turn it in to something fabulous.

Kris over at Missie Krissie made perfect silver circles and brought them together to create this amazing bangle.


I'm so jealous that she has the means to solder metal....and a pretty cool work space too. Well done Kris.

Next the talented Beky over at Pivx has created this fun graphic design...

Inspired by paper cut dolls, doesn't she look so mod in her spotty dress with matching bag, too cute.

Then we have Sarah-jo of Ideyspidey who has done a spot of refashioning


and transformed this basic black tee into a circleliscious delight. Lovin it!

From further afield...United Kingdom to be precise, the fantastic felted work of Jasmine at Natures whispers has taken a circle inspired direction too.

The layers and depth created in Jasmines work is purely magical. Thanks for joining in...

Plenty of time left to find inspiration this months 'seeing circles theme', so take you're time and be sure to share what you come up with.

Coming home...............

It's all go in my end of the world....
about to start packing up house for the big move, which is always fun starting fresh and setting up a new, but the packing and cleaning of the old one I'd much rather not do...

Also house hunting for little sis,who's making the big move from Queensland to Melbourne......finally!

House pillow by:LeiLiLaLoo

I can't begin to express the disgust in how we were spoken to at so many real estates when trying to view available properties to rent. Lets just say, if you are looking for representation of your property you will not get the red carpet experience as promised from a certain real estate in Reservoir....Girls, I thought stories from our Spotlight experiences were bad....dealing with real estates takes the cake....

Moving on the long story short is that when mum and dad divorced 17 years ago, mum went to Queensland with 4 of my younger siblings.
As I was older and more established in Melbourne with work and partner, I stayed here...and so begun the frequent flyer points and thousands of dollars to see my family each year.

We have often felt torn and as though I should be there or my sister be here, but as time went on and we both started families it just got harder and harder to even think about.
When Kiz was little, we did give up Melbourne for a year to live in sunny Queensland but all that sun went to my head and I craved for days when I could wear boots, winter jackets and straighten my hair without instant humidity frizzing it and of course a good old Melbourne cafe.....there's none like them.
So after a year we realised that although Queensland was a lovely place to visit, it wasn't home for us. So we came home.

Continuing on, we lived similar lives in separate states.

I'd dye my hair blonde and call to tell sis only to hear her say...me too I did it today, I'd start a health kick to get fit and call her to find out she'd just started one too. I'd buy a new sewing machine, make a range of journals, ring to say I was pregnant and talk about how I wanted to do a clothing range for bigger girls....... and she'd say..... me too!
A million miles away and living separate lives we always had so much in common and were always drawn in a similar direction.

In disguise by: Tummy Mountain

So finally, 14 years on, we will be back together.

Sure we'll fight..that's what sisters do, sure she'll eat my food and make me go for walks at 6 in the morning, and sure as sure I'll be miss bossy boots cranky pants far too often, but I'll also get to see my niece and nephew more than once a year, I'll be able to pop over for Sunday brunch, I'll be able to give her a real hug when life suxs.....

A lot has changed, but a lot has stayed the same.

Manda will be joining 'Finki' as head pattern maker and co designer of an exciting new clothing label, but more importantly,

my little sis is coming home......