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