Hello March!

Phew, by today's end I can cross February of my list. Goodbye February, you've been a challenging month.
Looking forward to March....my favorite month of the year (and not just because I'm a Pisces and love Autumn).
We've got lots planned at Betty Jo headquarters (including a face lift for our 87 year old house), a trip for me, and lots of new Betty Jo goodies to emerge from my studio.
March is going to be a good month...I can feel it in my bones.
What are your plans for Autumn?(or Spring over the equator)

This little Apple Tree orchard is heading up to a shop in Woodend.

A place where I'm sure these trees will feel right at home!

I think these brooches will like it there too.

Think Big!

Betty Jo has just joined the new online marketplace "cosa verde".
Cosa verda connects independent and emerging artists with environmentally-conscious consumers.
It showcases independent artists and craftspeople from around the world, providing customers with one destination to find top-quality handmade, environmentally-friendly goods. You can browse cosa verde by product category, or filter goods by a selection of ideals like "repurposed" or " conflict free"(items made with material obtained from sources that do not support violence or human rights abuses). I like the philosophy behind this enterprise- "think big, shop small".
Go and check it out.
It's been a busy week at Betty Jo headquarters. I even had to write myself a list, which I rarely ever do. I know some people religiously write lists, but I usually just rely on scribbled notes on the calender, or my memory. I think a BIG list is a bit daunting and it made me tired just looking at it.
When I can cross off Charlies 7th Birthday Party tomorrow, I'll heave a rather large sigh of relief. I can't believe this little guy is now seven.

Feathered!

The talented Carolyn from Indie art and design, has put a very cool online magazine together called "Feathered". The first issue is out now, with interviews , fashion and product shoots and arty info.
Kitty inspired adornment from feathered editorial" this charming cat" by Betty Jo, iggy and loulou and Made by White.

Memories.......

Lovin' this lino that I was lucky enough to receive from Estelle yesterday. It's in my favorite tone of green. Estelle nicely saved it from going to the tip and it arrived in a big parcel. Muchas gracias!
I have made a few goodies from it already...no time for mucking round when there's new lino to use!Here's one of the other lovely things I rescued in my skip scavenging escapade on the weekend.
An old hat box (great to display my things at markets) with bits and pieces inside, letters,tickets, photos and memories. Could you throw out all your Mum's stuff into a rubbish skip?
I don't know if the memories would be too hard to bear if it were my Mum's things............

Pollyanna says....Be Glad!

Did I sound a bit woe is me yesterday? Well it's amazing what 24 hours can do........
Last night I went to the Toff in Town to watch friends and loved ones play music and sipped lemon,lime &bitters on a balmy Melbourne evening. I love the city at night (although like Cinderella, I'm home by twelve these days, not seeing the dawn break like in years past). Now I have an "in house" Baby sitter, so a night out is not too much of a logistical nightmare.
An order came in from a lovely shop in Far North Queensland, which is ironic as the weather feels pretty far North Queensland in Far South Victoria right now.
This morning while out and about operating Mum's taxi service, I drove past a skip overflowing with stuff. The vintage lino caught my eye, so like a good skip scavenger I asked permission before I took it.The ladies who were clearing out their old mum's house saw my button earrings and invited me to fossick round the back in amongst the sewing stuff. Then I hit button bonanza.
And they let me have a few other gems before they were hurled into the skip. (I know this would break a few hearts in Recycling land)So have a gander at some of the things that make me GLAD! (Pollyanna Little Golden book included)
Some of the beautiful Button haul.The fawn lamp that was covered in a layer of grime but actually works (and didn't smash in the skip...miracle).This I rescued for some reason. A fox stole is a bit off my fashion radar, but the eyes were pleading "Save me Save me". Sitting on one of the Big pieces of lino I crammed into my back seat.
"Poor Fox - not so cunning". Michelle from Buttontree Lane who just bought a Lox the Fox brooch will get what I mean.
More things to show another day, but I think these goodies will qualify for Sophie's Flea Market Finds
(After rescuing foxy I now know what the Flea means in Flea Market!)

Happy Days.....

I woke up today feeling a bit angst ridden. Life is never a bed of roses when kids are in the picture. Why do we feel every emotion they do multiplied by 100?
My computer is home from the doctor, but it's come back a different person.....I mean machine. I've been fiddling around with the font size and reloading all my programs, but I don't like how it's behaving. Even though I had a top of the range security program installed, those insideous viruses managed to sneak in.The computer guy compared internet security programs to taking multi vitamins. They may slow down the lurgies, but can't be relied on to totally stop them.
Sometimes when life gets to me, I have to take a step back and say to myself.....really it's not so bad. I'm pretty lucky. So far I haven't had to go back to a day job (all though lately I've had to consider it -HORROR!).
Ironically, I did an interview with a journalist at the end of last year (when the business was going great guns) for an article about women who have left their "Proper" job to work full time running their small business. I don't want to be doing exactly the opposite when it's published!Then as I decided to venture into the studio (with the nostalgic theme music from "Happy Days" coming from the TV ) I remembered I'd started to make these earring last night.
That wonderful creative rush came over me, and I remembered why I love what I do.
I must give a nod to twolimeleaves for the buttony inspiration. And I'm loving all the other foxy craft goodies that have been added to the "Crafty Fox" flickr pool. Go and have a look at the foxy cuteness.This is one of my favorite images so far!

A Whiter Shade of Pale.....

The last of the white Betty Jo goodies from Craft Victoria's White Christmas exhibition .
Do you like things monochromatic? Maybe a White Lino Sparrow is calling your name.
These will be available at a great price, so if you're a white fancier , drop me a line.

Speaking of monochrome....how awesome are these tattooed tights. Web site here.Found via Design Files.

Dog Stuff

Yay for puppies !

Winners Circle

A lovely customer requested some Betty Jo earrings at the market on the weekend. I whipped these up with this very cool lino donated by Melanie (Body Parts) and delivered by Michelle (Kids with Crayons). Thanks Melanie and Michelle if you are reading!
If the girl who requested the earrings is also reading , drop me line!Look at the cool circle design on the lino. Hmmm, circles.
Wasn't "Seeing Circles" the theme for this months creative challenge over at Finki? And didn't I leave a comment saying "Circles=Buttons....too easy!"
Well I guess this is my challenge completed.
It's also time to announce the winner of the Paper Dolly brooch giveaway. Hooray for Estelle from "Curbside Style". I think the name of Estelle's blog sums up my life in two words. Brilliant!
I've decided to give away a second brooch to Sal at Singlets and Bloomers because I thought her poem was very sweet.
"Betty Jo made some paper dolls
And gave them away for free
They arrived at their homes
Chilled to the bones
But were warmed up with scones and tea"

Drop me a line with your deets, and I'll ship your brooches out quick smart.

Eye Spy....

A couple of lovely accessories I picked up at the Reservoir oppy this morning. The shoes were made in Chippendale (Sydney) and are a great fit (miracle). The bag's label is "Scene Stealer",(which is in itself enough to get me to buy it) also made by a Sydney company.
I think they will be another addition to Sophie's Flea Market Finds weekly show and tell!
The postie delivered two things to read today, and I partook in a bit of eye spy (or Where's Wally/Betty)

The first was a back issue of the local paper from around Noosa in QLD.
My girlfriend who lives up there spotted some Betty Jo goodies in the pages from my stockist in Peregian Beach- Soul Sanctuary.The second was the new issue of Frankie to peruse and where I happened to spy a Betty Jo Owl in the Moose ad.
Actually, I don't think Moose has had an owl in stock for a while now, but anyhoo, there are still other Betty Jo Designs to buy, as well as hundreds of gorgeous items from cool Aussie designers.

Day of the Saint!

I read that the Catholic church is trying to bring the "Saint" back into St.Valentines Day.
I think it sounds nicer, but as for the reasoning behind it.....not so sure. Love and romance is not just meant to be celebrated by "Faithful Married Couples". It's for everyone!
Here's the very snazzy card I gave to my beloved today. It's from Able and Game if you can't already tell.
And don't forget to enter the Paper Dolly Giveaway I'm running. Just leave a comment and you're in the running to win one of these brooches.

Market Day

Just a reminder........I'm having a little stall at the Sisters Market tomorrow.
In Brunswick Town Hall from 10-4. Brunswick Town Hall is in Sydney Rd. all covered with scaffolding.
Sydney Rd. is worth the visit as it's become the funky destination for cool designer and vintage finds!
Come and say hello. Hummingbird will tell you the time for free!

Rabbit Stuff

Including cute knitted Bunny brooch by Sarah McNeil and Bunny Hop pin and hair clip by Liana Kabel.

Valentine's Giveaway

Now we're well into the New Year, and charging up to February 14th (which may or may not be of interest to some of you) it's time for a "Share the Love" giveaway.
Valentine's Day has too many commercial connotations for me, but as I'm a huge fan of choccy and flowers, I wouldn't say no to either.
So to celebrate love, friendship and happiness, I'm giving away a little paper dolly brooch like the ones pictured. It's a new design, made from laminex, lino and a button heart.
Just leave me a comment, simple, easy peasy, no strings attached.
Winner announced in one week!The new "Feel the Love" brooch will be available at Sisters Market...Saturday 13th . One day before Valentine's Day... hint, hint!

Colourful and Sustainable

Darebin Creek Refuse Rainbow.
I often ask myself why am I taking photos of rubbish? There's so much else I could/should be doing.
But then I think, wait. These rainbow like images mean more than just prettifying up the blog and flickr.
I like to get out and about, preferably in a bit of nature near a bit of water. Each refuse picture reminds me of nice beach strolls or creek rambles I've had with my kids and the dog, or just me.
I don't volunteer on "Clean up Australia Day", but now find myself filling a bag with rubbish on most walks. Admittedly it's colourful rubbish. I leave the broken beer bottles and dead rats .
Then at home I can have a bit of fun with colour and continue to brush up on my photo skills.
And if a little message gets through to some of us about the problem of rubbish in our waterways and beaches, that's good too.

1. Elwood Beach Plastic, 2. Beach Plastic 3, 3. Yarra River Refuse Rainbow, 4. Beach Plastic 4, 5. Seaford Beach Plastic, 6. Beach Plastic 2, 7. Darabin Creek Refuse Rainbow, 8. Beach Plastic 1, 9. Rainbow Flotsam & Jetsam
At the moment The Sustainable Living Festival is running in Melbourne.The Festival raises awareness and provides tools for change by showcasing tangible solutions to the ecological and social challenges we face.
One event that has caught my eye is the Green up your Craft Practice presentation hosted by Craft Victoria.The session looks at a range of steps you can take to reduce your carbon emissions and maintain an environmentally sustainable business. On this Thursday at Craft Victoria.

Cat Stuff

We are big fans of fluffy felines here at Betty Jo headquarters.
And equally as big fans of op shopping. Today I solved the "No pen to write on the Calender" dilemma, by picking up this superbly hand crafted cat pen holder at Kew oppy!
I have already used it to fill in some exciting dates for March.................My B'day, Pixies at Festival Hall, Canberra long weekend to see "Masterpieces from Paris" at the National Gallery .
Then there's the not so exciting- Hard Rubbish (means lugging our junk to the naturestrip)
Car insurance-yuck, Lily's Immunisation- double yuck!
P.S. The Hard rubbish on my nature strip will be mainly stuff I picked up off other nature strips.
I will never learn!!!!

The Butterfly Effect

I've always subscribed to the concept of the "Butterfly Effect".Where small actions can change or determine subsequent events.
My "Sliding Doors" moment led me to where I am today. If I hadn't turned into Greville St. those twenty years ago, but just kept riding, I wouldn't have passed Mr. BJ walking along with his friends, exchanged shy smiles, and set balls rolling.
Have you experienced a small moment in time that altered your life's path?
These Lino Butterfly Wall Hangings will be available at the Sisters Market next Saturday 13th Feb. at the Brunswick Town Hall. Come along and say hello!

Alice in "Thornburyland"

Betty Jo now has a new stockist in uptown Thornbury.
Curious Oyster packed it's bags and relocated north of the river to my stomping ground. Stocking lots of pretty goodies, including sweet jewellery from "Owl and Fox"(which so happen to be my two favorite forest creatures)

In fact you'll find Betty Jo's owl and fox brooches at Curious Oyster.
So if your visiting the inner north just head up High St. to no. 776 and go and visit this lovely "Alice in Wonderland" inspired shoppe!
I think there is a hint of "Alice in Wonderland" in the air at the moment.
I know a lot of us are waiting in anticipation for the Tim Burton movie version.My girl Lily is auditioning for a role as the Cheshire cat in her school play of the same name.
I wonder if I drink this "Chateau Thornbury " (given to Mr BJ by a client) I will find myself in "Thornburyland"?I didn't know that grapes were grown and Merlot was bottled in Thornbury, but you discover something new everyday!

Bird Stuff

In answer to Posie's question from the other day...... "Do you have massive flat shallow drawers filled with organised & sorted themes?? "
Well, no. I just zip around the house a bit like a woman possessed and randomly grab stuff from almost every room. Almost zero thought goes into the layout. If it fits on the paper it's in!
So no Museum drawers at Betty Jo's house unfortunately. I'll bet if I was in charge of the collections at the Museum I'd get sacked for messin' them up.

Humming Along.

I looked out into my garden the other day and there was a bird sipping nectar and hovering like a hummingbird. I know it wasn't an actual hummingbird, but it was amazing to watch.

I remembered I had a wonderful book about hummingbirds and today I made a wee hummingbird brooch. With a ruby throat.
I love catching glimpses of birds. It gives me hope for the future of our environment.
What would the world do with out birds?
Well in my case, get more sleep. Pesky myna birds have moved into our eaves again and start their screeching at dawn....bad screechy invasive pests-you don't belong here.
But, I now have an idea for my next "Stuff" collection. There may be tweeting , but you'll be nowhere near Twitter...........
And, just asking, does tweeting do it for you? I'm struggling to embrace what seems to be mainly an advertising tool. I know it's supposed to be a good marketing device, but Twitter = Boring .
NO pictures unless you click away and then Bam, you've lost my attention!

Deer Stuff

A little bit inspired by A Collection a Day, and I needed a new theme for my "Stuff " collages.
I will aim for two collections a week this month!