All I want is a library...

a cosy space where you can enter another world...

Image via Her Library Adventures

All I want is a library...

add the drama of a staircase...

Image via Marie Claire

All I want is a library...

The conservator in me says not to store books on the floor - they are more likely to get dusty and it is not recommended for the long term preservation of your books. However, I love this idea...

Image via Apartment Therapy from automatism

All I want is a library...

We buy, read and collect a lot of books. We have thousands of them. As a result, we have had a storage problem for quite some time. My dream is to move to a house where we have the space to have a library - all books in one room. This week, I thought I would share some lovely home libraries with you...

Image via 16 House from la maison d'Anna G

Image via la maison d'Anna G

Quote of the day..

Image via My Sweet Prints

Alone is OK

Love these: granny square rings

Image via earl and cookie

These granny square rings by Victoria Mason are amazing. I don't wear rings these days, but if I did, I would be wearing one of these.

Action.. Camera..

Image via Daydream Lily

Quote of the day...

Image via Her Library Adventures from Heartfish Press

Have a lot of questions at the moment and was greeted by this post this evening. 

Listen to your heart xo

Happy week...

Image via a creative MINT

Smiling at the butterfly

 

I found myself smiling this morning, when I walked through the park. 

This butterfly followed me, flapping wings in the breeze. 

Inspired by the cherry blossom

Image via 16 House

My friends and I made some crochet granny squares for Crochet a Rainbow to assist Queenslanders who were touched by the terrible floods earlier in the year. Sarah London has extended Crochet a Rainbow to help those people in Christchurch and Japan that have been more recently affected by devastating earthquakes and the tsunami.

I have started to crochet - I am inspired by the cherry blossoms of Japan and have been choosing whites, pinks and purples to make my squares.

Sometimes I feel helpless in these terrible situations as I am so far away. What could I do anyway - even if I was there? However, knowing that I can help through craft, and knowing that there are so many people worldwide that care, makes me feel part of a greater good. My deepest thoughts and wishes go out to everyone that has been affected by natural disasters this year. Stay strong xo

Quote of the day...

Hope is a waking dream (Aristotle)

Lovely image via Made in Tokyo

Thinking of Japan

Image by Ames, Tokyo

Days have passed since the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. There are still people missing, sites of debris and destruction will need to be cleaned and repaired, there is the threat of a nuclear disaster, and the aftershocks continue.  Thankfully, my family and friends are all safe.

Many wonderful bloggers have been writing about the disaster and to send their wishes. There are also a collection of people doing their crafty bit to help. To know that there are people in the world who generously give their time to help others fills me with hope.  Here are a few ways you can help those affected by the devastation in Japan:

• Donate to the Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal - the Australian Red Cross
• Donate via World Vision
• Make some more crochet granny squares for Crochet-a-Rainbow
• Bid in the auction to purchase a wrap from Hey Jen Renee
• Buy a photograph from Sarah Rhoads
• Buy a brooch from Sophie Isobel Designs
• Buy a crochet pattern from Itsy Bitsy Spider

Love these: butterfly paper bowls

Loving these gorgeous paper bowls made by cushmandoo and wanted to share them.

Family in Japan

An unexpected way to spend Friday night. Worried for family. Sick in the guts.

I returned home from work last night to learn that there had been a devastating earthquake and a tsunami in Japan. My brother and his family live there. At that moment I wished they were here, in Australia and by my side. There was no power and most of the phone network was not working in Tokyo. With relief, we received a brief email from my brother saying he was OK and we heard this morning that the rest of the family are fine too.

Thank you to everyone for your phone calls, texts and messages to see how they are. Your heartfelt concern has touched me.

This image is of amulets - prayers and dreams - left at one of the temples that we visited in Tokyo a few years ago. My thoughts and well wishes go out to the thousands of people in Japan who have been affected by this devastation.

Quote of the day..

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful 

than the risk it took to blossom (Anais Nin)

Flowers made by Tash's Nanna out of onion bags (Image by Ames)

What would you do?

Occasionally I click, click, click on blogger's links and I just found this. Very inspirational! Never forget that there is always something more to do, even if it is as easy as a smile. Have a great week everyone. Ames xo

Images via I ART U via iGNANT by Candy Chang

Crochet baby hat

I have been crocheting this week. One of the things I have made is a hat for baby George. I made up the pattern as I went, so unfortunately I cannot share it with you. It was lots of fun and hopefully it will be enjoyed.

Blanket glory - Crochet a Rainbow

Earlier this year, some friends and I made crochet granny squares for Crochet a Rainbow. These squares were sent off to Sarah London who started the collection in order to make crochet blankets for those that were affected by the Queensland floods. Sarah has been busily joining the squares and has posted some pics of the finished blankets.

Image via Sarah London

I am especially excited because I think that one of my squares appears in the top blanket. It is the square made from blue and purple variegated yarn at the top left of the image.

Feeling proud xo