Interview with Georgie Girl

I am so very excited about this post today.  For two reasons, because it's my first interview on our blog and the most exciting thing is that it is with Tina from Georgie Girl.
AnK and Georgie Girl formed an alliance a few months ago and have never looked back.  Combined we have created some fantastic combinations for all the little princesses out there.  The web is a fantastic thing because over time we have developed a strong relationship with Tina and feel that she is part of our own little business.  You all know that Kristy and I live about 2 hours apart but we both live about 10 hours away from Tina so rely heavily on the Internet for our little liaisons.  I was very fortunate to have met Tina at a Mathildas market in August but Kristy is still waiting to meet Tina face to face.

Welcome to our blog Tina.

1. When was Georgie Girl born and what were your original thought’s of what Georgie Girl would be?

Georgie Girl was born in 2009 after my first baby, Georgiana was born. I bought her some handmade clothing and when it arrived I thought to myself “I can make that!”… and so I did! I thought Georgie Girl would be a very different label that stood out from the crowd and I was always intent on using unique fabrics.

2. Where do you get your inspiration from when creating?
All of my inspiration comes from the fabrics I spend a lot of time sourcing. It’s always a case of find the fabric, then decide on the design and combinations. I think I also get a lot of inspiration from various historical periods. I adore spending time scouring through images and articles associated with the lifestyles in ancient Greece and Rome and England in the 1600 – 1800’s.

Ooohhh I have an addiction to fabric so I would love to see your stash.

3. How did you find Made It and did you ever think there would be a ‘Georgie Girl Craze’?
I happened upon madeit after a very supportive friend from my mother’s group emailed me a link to it while I was deciding how best to market my creations. I still don’t believe that there is a “Georgie Girl Craze”! It’s all very surreal to me.

With over 5000 likers on FB I think it is definitely a craze. 

4. How do you juggle your new career and family life?
Not very well!! I am lucky to have a husband who is extremely supportive and who shares those parts of the workload that I trust him with and I do most of my creating at night while my 15 month old sleeps.

WOW Tina we are alike.. We have also taught our husbands how to pack mail, tag items & cut cards up.

5. Georgie Girl now has a sister store Georgie Loves Fabric. What gave you the idea of opening another store?
I think “Georgie Loves Fabric” was a natural transition for me and I feel as though it almost happened by itself. Once I discovered lots of new ways to source amazing fabrics, I decided I wanted an outlet where I could share them and also give others the opportunity to create with beautiful fabrics and other special items.

6. Georgie Loves Fabric has beautiful fabrics and accessories. Tell us about the style you are creating in this store?
I have always been devoted to the “Shabby Chic” style and there is something so whimsical and exclusive about a boutique style store so I have tried to combine the two. I hope that I will continue to create a feeling of vintage luxury while my little venture progresses.

AnK also loves the "Shabby Chic" style and I think that you definitely portray it in Georgie Loves Fabric.
 7. When did you start sewing and what was the first item you finished?Georgie Girl store has been closed BUT at 8pm on Saturday to celebrate Tina's birthday it is re-opening.  YAY!!  So here are some designs that we can look forward to purchasing when the store re-opens.
I did a limited amount of terrible sewing in high school and thought I would never try it again. However, I was always in awe of those who could create beautiful items with fabric and so after Georgiana was born, I just had this obsessive need to master the art. The first item I finished was a little cotton bassinette sheet for Georgie…and then another…and another… and another!

I wonder if you can glue them Kristy... LOL

8. Tell us what would be the Perfect day in Tina’s world?
Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I’m a terrible morning person and so a perfect day in my world MUST start with a very indulgent sleep-in. The rest of my perfect day would be spent at home with my family.

I think that maybe we have all forgotten what a sleep in is.  Your day sounds perfect.

As I mentioned before that we are 'in' with GG so here are some matching hair accessories for these beautiful outfits.  If you check out AnK Bowtique you will find these available for purchase on Saturday also.

M2M GG Dusky Rose Stretch Lace Headband

M2M GG Ornamental Flora Clips Set

M2M GG Peppy Patchwork Clips Set

M2M GG Strawberry Lane Stretch Headband Set.

Thanks Tina for the interview and I can't wait for Saturday.  AnK are big fans of Georgie Girl. xx

Petty Skirts for all ages

Images from We Heart It.

I found these beautiful feminine photos of ladies wearing pettiskirts.  I don't think I could wear one but these women look gorgeous in them.

Here we have some pettiskirts that AnK have made.  If you are interested in any of these below or we have many other colours available please leave a comment and we will get back to you.  These skirts are custom made and can be made to suit all occasions.  Matching T-Shirts/Singlets and Hair accessories are also available.

Made It Monday Keep Them Busy

What to do with the kids when you need a break??? Try these great madeit products to keep little hands busy.

Aromaplay Mini Pack Aromatherapy

Gluten Free Playdough $38.50

Kazzalblue Boys colouring/pencil roll $19.50

Ichigo Cafe Felt Picnic Play Set $23.00

Rahzy Children Balloon Ball $15.00

Twinklekids Handpainted Superhero $8.00

Happy madeit Monday shopping :)

Big Girls Buys # 6

Our big girl buy series has proved to be very popular, but it seems that online websites are yet to catch on to the 8 - 14 years market. After many hours of trawling through websites I was delighted to find Coco and Ginger. Coco and Ginger, based on the Indonesian island of Bali, has the most divine range of dresses up to a Size 12.  Owner and designer Saffron has many online stockists in Australia however the majority choose to stop at a Size 8.  Not good for us who live in rural and remote areas and want to get our hands on some of Saffron's goodies. I did manage to find one online stockist who had some Coco and Ginger available online up to a Size 10 - check out Ruby Maine

Saffron has also kindly offered to help you locate any of her gorgeous designs in the size you require.  You can contact her via her website - Coco and Ginger

Happy shopping

Results from the Donna Hay Challenge #1

The results are in with the challenge and I think it is clear that I am not a second Donna Hay.  I must first point out that I have never made macaroons or tasted macaroons.  So I think next time I will pick something that I know a little about.
The recipe was easy to follow, it didn't need any exotic grocery items, meaning I had all the things in my pantry already.  You already know that it is not possible to 'duck down the shops' in my part of the world. 

It was a little time consuming to make these macaroons.  Once I worked out that making a piping bag out of zip lock bags was the easiest way to get little dollops of mix onto the trays and then also to fill them with the chocolate filling, it saved a bit of time.
The big question is, 'Will I make them again?'.  Probably not.  At this point in my life I don't have a lot of spare fiddling time.  I like to get something in the oven and see results pretty fast.  I did enjoy making them though.  It was fun to try and make something special and play around with the photos.  I must also point out that I will never get a job with Donna as a stylist/photographer for her magazine.
They tasted fabulous and the jar was almost empty after our school cluster.

Made It Monday

 Monday is upon us already.  Here are my latest finds on Made It.  I thought I would find some jewellery.  Everyone loves a new piece of bling!




Plum Fish



Erin Dove Accessories



Vintajia



Oopsidaisi

Enjoy the rest of your Monday.

Donna Hay Challenge

Picture from Donna Hay

 I was very lucky for my birthday and Kristy bought me a subscription to the Donna Hay magazine.  It arrived in the mail this week and it is beautiful.  Her magazine really catches your eye (like I explained here once before).  I would love to sit in on a shoot one day and watch them create the beautiful layouts for each photo.  I think this would be my dream job, styling for Donna Hay or Country Style magazine.
This magazine really feeds my addiction to these types of things, smooth, glossy, inspiring and beautiful.
I did have thoughts of taking some photos of the magazine and making them look all beautiful for this post but I have run out of time.  I am trying to get school finished for the week, pack my family and horses for a gymkhana this weekend, AnK stuff and all the other boring housey things that need to be done before you go away.
So I am challenging myself to cook something out of each magazine and share it with you.  I will make more things out of the magazine but it will depend if they look like 'the picture' or not if I share them with you.  We all have that problem don't we?  I am sure it's not just me.

On Tuesday we have a school cluster day and we have to take a shared smoko.  So my challenge recipe for this magazine is the 'White Chocolate Macaroons' and I will take them as my shared smoko.
I have never made macaroons before so this is definitely a challenge.  The challenge is also to make them look like Donna's.

See you all next week with my results.

Blue & White Interiors

I found these beautiful interior images on Shannon Fricke's blog today.  These are my favourite colours and I would love to replicate this in my home over the next little while.  I love these colours because when you live out here in the bush and in dry times these colours are fresh and crisp.  A lot of people shy away from white but I find it very easy to clean.

I hope you like them.  Images are from here. 

Made It Monday - Clever Storage

Today's Madeit Monday is about getting organised.  Finding spots to store all those things you have lying around.

Bow Holder AnK Bowtique $10

Cowboy Pencil Storage Tin Happy in Yellow $12

Fabric Storage Box Anna Marie $12.50

Car Back Seat Organiser GoziandPop $35

Retro A5 Organiser Address Book, Notebook or Shopping List Covergirl Design $18