Quilt Cover Curtains…and a faux bamboo blind

November 24, 2014 33 Comments

There’s something about the large-scale use of bold patterns which scares me a bit. I know that probably sounds stupid (I mean, it’s just ‘stuff’ after all) though as a budget-concious DIY decorator with a decidedly fickle streak I think it’s the fear of expending a fair amount of both cash and time on something only...…READ MORE

A Desk Lamp Becomes a Wall Light

September 23, 2014 62 Comments

I’ve coveted adjustable arm wall lights from the first moment I saw one. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 To me there’s just something so desirable about their sculptural form and subtle industrial edge. That said, I never really envisioned actually using one in my own home. You see, despite the...…READ MORE

Re-Love Project…before & after

July 16, 2014 252 Comments

This was such a rewarding project. If you’re not new here, you’re probably aware of my involvement in the Re-Love Project and what it’s all about. For those of you who don’t know, in short it’s a Feast Watson campaign in collaboration with Salvos Stores which sees eight designers “re-love” a neglected item of furniture...…READ MORE

Simple Tea Towel Lumbar Pillow

March 5, 2013 43 Comments

This is one of the easiest pillows you’ll ever make. There’s no hemming, seaming, measuring, or even cutting! And, if you use fusible tape, then there’s no sewing involved either! The trick is using a cute tea towel. I know, I know, it’s not a revolutionary idea, though it’s one I reckon can often be overlooked. Conveniently hemmed,...…READ MORE

Removable String and Peg Picture Holder

November 6, 2012 13 Comments

At my parent’s house, my brother’s old bedroom has been converted into a nursery/playroom for their expanding army of grandchildren. To suit their evolving needs (and growing accumulation of toys!), Mum is constantly re-arranging the space and has found decorating with any sort of permanence a real inconvenience. Though with her understandable reluctance to commit to anything enduring,...…READ MORE

Library Card Cabinet Upcycle

November 24, 2011 111 Comments

Whada you do when you come across something you really love? Something for your home that you know there is no practical place or use for? Do you buy it just because? Just because you might never come across one again? Just because it was a really good price? Just because your mother’s sister’s second cousin Mavis...…READ MORE

Faux Pressed Metal Brake Fluid Drum!

October 20, 2011 78 Comments

I was visiting my parents recently when I happened to glance over and see this beside their garage… Hmmm, a cruddy old brake fluid drum, how fascinating, right? Well, yes, I mean, it is cruddy and old and whilst I had probably looked at it a hundred times before for some reason that day I really saw it for...…READ MORE

DIY Repurposed Basket Ceiling Light

April 19, 2011 60 Comments

I know repurposed light shades aren’t exactly a new idea though I did kinda just make this one up as I went along. I really wanted a hanging pendant in the nursery though the ceiling is just too low so I instead opted to transform a standard batten fix (flush mount) light. I started with this cool...…READ MORE

Telephone Table Bench Seat

June 11, 2010 58 Comments

You know those old-fashioned telephone tables? Like this one…. Most of them have good bones and smart lines (and can be found super-cheap!) and I’ve seen lots of them looking great once made-over though the utilitarian function is some-what defunct nowadays with everyone having cordless phones and the like so I thought I’d do a little re-purposing…. First,...…READ MORE

Old Desk to Dining Table

April 14, 2010 79 Comments

This is one of my favourite transformations so far. Sure, it’s not very fancy and won’t blow your mind though I just adore the unpretentious lines and character-filled patina of this piece. Here’s the table before, looking very lonely and feeling sorry for itself: And now: Originally a teacher’s desk, this old table was missing its drawer and had quite a heavily...…READ MORE