Imogen Eve

Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk

2012-02-13T14:28:00.000+11:00

Last week Oscar and I had a lovely time exploring the South Coast with family and friends. One of the highlights had to be the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk (and the misty drive there and back). I loved the tree ferns, and the lichen and all the fresh growth at the tops of the gum trees.

2012-02-03T07:30:00.000+11:00

I've been a little pinterest crazy recently. Well, not a little, a lot. Above are just four of the many bits and pieces that I can't help but repin ... it is all so gorgeous!

I love this little furniture arrangement and artwork from Julie Hendricks

I'm lusting after thai embroidered shoes available from here

I adore this rooster illustration by Jennifer Davis

And, I can't believe that no-one else has ever introduced me to the beautiful Dymkovo toys. They are so inspiring, I don't think I could afford to collect them, but I could definitely try make my own one day!

In other news, tomorrow Oscar and I will be heading down the coast for a little seaside rest and relaxation before baby number two. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000+11:00

Cold Embrace by Cyril Ruoso

Today Osc, myself and a couple of friends are off to check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 at the Australian Museum. It'll be Oscar's first trip to a museum, so I'm hoping all goes well, and the place leaves a lovely impression on him. We'll definitely also have to check out kidspace.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2012-01-26T11:30:00.000+11:00

Sure today might be Australia Day, but it is also my Dad's birthday. I've painted him a water colour of his favourite place as a gift. (Using, as you can see, my mum's beautiful old Winsor and Newtown Sketcher's Water Colour Pocket Box).

Rain

2012-01-25T16:20:00.000+11:00

It has been a rainy afternoon here in Sydney, perfect for making torta frita.

Picasso

2012-01-20T12:02:00.001+11:00

Pablo Picasso's The Studio of La Californie, 1956

This weekend, my whole family (including an Aunt, Uncle + cousin) will be heading to The Art Gallery of NSW to see 'the greatest Picasso exhibition to ever come to Australia' and I'm super excited! Should be beautiful and inspiring. Hope you have a lovely weekend too.

Baby girl names

2012-01-19T17:27:00.002+11:00

Oscar Graeme Ignatius (with papa's hands), less than 24 hours old. Photo taken by my sister Amy.

My girls name list is big and ever changing – there are just too many beautiful girls names out there! Here is what I have currently –
Adelaide

Celeste (my younger sister's name)
Clementine
Clover
Echo
Elke
Eve (my middle name, so a bit of cheating there)

Fern
Flora
Harriet
India
Ines
Iolanthe
Lillian
Margaret (my Grandmother's name)
Nell
Nora (after my partner's Grandma)
Obelia
Opal
Pearl
Saffron
Sage
Thisbe
Xanthe

My partner's favourite combination is Nora Lillian Celeste, but I'm still mixing and matching ... we shall see.

And some beauties from the UK Telegraph (seriously go over there and have a look, this is just the tip of the iceberg!) –
Amelie Sparkle
Bali Evelyn
Daisy Honor Santa
Florence Mable Peace
Giulietta Ines Susanna
Holly Olivia Julia (her sisters are Saffron and Poppy!)
Isabelle Eleanor Dulcie
Jemima Venetia Antoinette
Persephonie Ella
Primrose Carole Enfys (nickname to be Posy)
Rosabelle Sophia Beatrice
Scarlett Sundquist Papillon
Varoushka Clementine Margo
Wilhelmina Rosamund Venetia

Other online places that are great for name ideas are nameberry and this British Baby Names blog.

Bookclub

2012-01-18T14:11:00.002+11:00

The master Oscar is spending the afternoon with his Abuela, so I'm sitting with a cup of tea, admiring the new/old tablecloth I purchased at the local Stash and Treasure markets. Aren't the two toned embroidered blossoms beautiful?

I'm looking forward to eating, catching up with friends and a little bit of literary discussion tonight at bookclub. It is the perfect way to get over the mid-week hump.

Painted pebble #2

2012-01-13T13:00:00.000+11:00

I painted this little pebble for my turtle-loving sister Tess. But I forgot to take any pics, so had to steal this one from her tumblr (which is full of gorgeous photos). Pebble #1 can be found here. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

A trip to my parents place

2012-01-11T13:39:00.000+11:00

I love this cushion – sewn by my mum

Prettiness in their garden – nasturtium amongst curry plant, dahlia, coral vine

Baby boy names

2012-01-10T07:30:00.000+11:00

My son, Oscar Graeme Ignatius at only a couple of weeks old

I LOVE checking out birth announcements and with a baby due at the end of March, I've been perusing the pages again. My favourite place to look is in the UK Telegraph. I especially love the fact that so many of the parents choose two middle names. Here are some of the recent beauties people have named their new sons –

Alfie Oscar Gerald

Archie Benjamin Oscar

Arlo Ted Lucas

Atticus Edward Samuel

Cosmo Seymour Victor

Crispin Giles Lancelot

Felix Oscar Jack

Frederick Wyndham Clunie

Horatio Frederick Colin

Inigo ('Iggy') Edward Fawkes

Louis Zulu St John

Rudyard Francis Basil

Wilfred Cameron Brodie

Other names that caught my eye include Otto, Milo, Montague, Eyre, Maximo and Garnet.

My list for boys includes –
Greenhalgh (a family name, could be used in the middle)
Horace (after my grandad)
Jasper
Pablo
Quentin
Raphael
Ruben (my partner's name)
William

Not entirely sure which I'll choose and in what combination. I'm a little concerned that most of the names I choose for boys are two syllables, I think I need something with three syllables in there somewhere.

I'll post my girls name list later – but be warned it is much, much longer!

...

2012-01-09T14:46:00.000+11:00

Some lovely bits and pieces from recent adventures ...

Bear's Paw friendship quilt, belonging to my mum
Stained glass in the front door of my sister's house
Tomatoes on my balcony
Table set for lunch
Going for a stroll

Cockatoos + Amy

2012-01-05T07:30:00.000+11:00

Still exploring Patonga, in the afternoon winds.

I love the Australian Bush

2012-01-04T07:30:00.000+11:00

Just a few more photos taken near Patonga on the Central Coast, NSW, Australia. Despite loving the bush, I'm not so good at naming the plants, however, like all children that grew up on May Gibbs, I can confidently tell you that the flower in the bottom picture is Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi).

Hexagon rock formation

2012-01-03T07:30:00.000+11:00

Off the side of the road, on the way to Patonga there is this beautiful natural clearing with this 'oh so crazy hexagon-like' rock formation. Up top is a picture of my family (my mum, my son Oscar, my sister Amy and my dad) checking it out. I love exploring in the summer-time.

Bisabuela

2012-01-02T07:30:00.000+11:00

My son Oscar LOVES all of his grandmas. Here he is with his beautiful bisabuelita (Great Grandma).

Scenes from Christmas

2012-01-01T13:37:00.001+11:00

Photos taken at my sister Amy's house. How beautiful was her christmas wrapping in the top picture? She also made the most delicious honey glazed ham, we're eating the leftovers in the bottom pic.

Christmas Gift Wrapping

2011-12-23T08:25:00.000+11:00

I decided many weeks ago, to get Oscar to make the Christmas wrapping paper this year. We haven't been so successful, with all the Summer rain making this a difficult activity, but I've managed to wrap a couple of presents for the grandparents in his artworks.

Will + Jen

2011-12-18T15:27:00.001+11:00

It hasn't felt like Summer in Sydney yet, but luckily yesterday was a beautiful sunshiny day. Perfect for the wedding of two friends.

Christmas Angel

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000+11:00

Hand embroidery by my mum (in progress). This is a wall-hanging that will be gifted to her friend.

Photos

2011-12-13T07:30:00.000+11:00

Some of these photos are a little old, others are really recent, but I think they're all gorgeous, so I've posted them here today.

Neptunia, Uruguay

In my sister Tess' house

Hydrangeas

My partner, Rodge's, candombe drum, in the process of being sanded, to be repainted for an upcoming performance

I love this plant, which was given to me by my uncle Graeme

Happy Birthday Mum!

2011-12-12T06:30:00.000+11:00

Last night I spent a lovely evening with my family, celebrating my mum's birthday. We ate a feast, lobster and prawns, then lamb with sweet potato mash and a baby spinach and almond salad and to top it all off homemade vanilla icecream with apple crumble AND a pear brulée for the birthday cake. I'm still full!

My son made his Grandma this beautiful card (being his mum, I think he is super talented!)

I painted my mum this little guy as a gift. (Being my mum she appreciates receiving hand painted pebbles!)

I also gave her these pieces of fabric with illustrations by Suki Tam which I purchased at Marrickville Festival.

Kitchen Tea

2011-12-11T09:30:00.000+11:00

It was my friend Jen's kitchen tea yesterday – which involved eating lots of yummy things, a little bit of pictionary, and making newspaper wedding dresses, naturally!

This is the card I painted for her – inside I wrote out Margaret Fulton's delicious coffee syrup cake recipe.

And this is the beautiful old spode teacup that I drank from.

Gifts for Dad

2011-12-09T08:38:00.000+11:00

The men in my life are always the hardest people to buy for. I have to think long and hard about what they're into, as you can't just find a pretty trinket. Here's what I'd buy, from etsy, for my dad, who loves photography, good healthy food, beating me at board games, swimming, surfing, table tennis and keeping fit, movies (of all kinds, he isn't picky), computers and just hanging out with his family. Oh, and he looks great in purple.

1902 men's strength building book "Physical Culture Simplified" by Anthony Barker at Daily Memorandium

Leather camera strap in warm chestnut by Magpie Accessories

Rustic walnut cutting board by Gray Works Design

Safari striped short-sleeve 80s cotton button up shirt by Cairo Vintage

Christmas tree

2011-12-08T07:30:00.000+11:00

Here are some pictures of the haphazard christmas decorations in our little apartment. Our tree is tiny, but it is so bright and cheerful, it always makes me smile.

Yesterday's Sibella Court talk was lovely. She was very personable and passionate about her work – but also about still life, art, photography and collecting.

Robyn Stacey's photography, was not only lavish, but also a little humorous and comical. I loved the little snail crawling across the cauliflower or the shadow of the penguin against the easel. Definitely a must see.

House – Robyn Stacey

2011-12-07T13:15:00.000+11:00

Rouse and the Cumberland Plain by Robyn Stacey

Tonight I'm heading into the Museum of Sydney to hear Sibella Court talk about still life (info on this can be found here and here).

Then I'll be checking out the House exhibition – a unique collaboration in which Robyn Stacey has created and photographed still lifes using the collections of The Historic Houses Trust of NSW. More of her beautiful works can be seen here, on the abc arts blog. Its on until the 5th of February if you're interested in heading down and checking it out for yourself.

...

2011-12-06T07:30:00.000+11:00

Today is going to be a big day because we are off to see Santa. Considering Oscar has no idea who Santa is though, I'm the only person excited by this prospect.

At the moment our apartment smells beautiful, because of these gorgeous gardenias.

And in bits of pieces of my spare time, I've been painting little doodles on scraps of paper which I'll cut and collage to create gift tags for christmas.

Christmas Cards

2011-12-03T06:30:00.000+11:00

I love receiving the odd bit of snail mail. Here are my favourite cards for the holiday season –

I've long been a fan of Karolin Schnoor's illustrations and I particularly love this dove postcard. The board it is printed on looks so weighty and substantial, which adds to its appeal. I'm sure if I received this, it'd end up in a frame somewhere. I also love her winter berries card.

Fa La La! So much fun! The House Band Card, by Hillary Bird.

The How You Make A Chrissie Pudding postcard is perfect to send to the practical friend. And, for me, these cards are made locally.

Some fabulous holiday colour on this Little Helpers card by Fiona Purves.

And finally, this isn't a card, but check out these cute Japanese 1950's inspired christmas pockets.

In the garden

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000+11:00

Little baby tomatoes! Happy second day of summer!

Tonight I'm heading to the Finders Keepers markets at Carriageworks. Should be full of beautiful inspirational stuff. And I'll kick start that Christmas shopping!

Doll's quilt

2011-12-01T06:30:00.000+11:00

I recently rediscovered this doll's crib quilt I made as a girl, while rifling through some bits and pieces at my parents' place. I find my fabric choices and colour combination a little unexpected, which is what I think makes it so lovely.

Tuesday Night Dinner

2011-11-29T18:53:00.001+11:00

Yesterday was a really hot Spring day, which asked for this refreshing salad –

watermelon, chicken, mint, coriander, celery, cucumber, spanish onion, garlic, lemon, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, and a tiny bit of chilli. Yum, yum!

Triceratops

2011-11-29T13:31:00.001+11:00

I have been having so much fun lately creating these two little dinosaurs as christmas presents for Oscar and his friend Toby. I purchased the pattern for them from this etsy shop.

They are made out of the most beautifully luscious wool felts. And I had such a relaxing time stitching round and round the second triceratops' frill.

Strawberries

2011-11-26T06:00:00.000+11:00

The first two strawberries of the season, freshly picked from the pot on the balcony.

Gifts for Mum

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000+11:00

My mum loves collecting beautiful things, mustard yellow, green (all shades), Australiana, patchwork, textiles, fabric, more patchwork, the handmade, acorns + oak leaves, pears, antiques, her garden: the list could go on forever. Yet I found gift ideas for her quite difficult. Check out the etsy favourites below ...

Lampworked acorn pendant with copper cap by Very Glassy Gifts

Pears and apples with Chinese Boxes by T. W. Meyer

Robin small fabric bird by Catherine Frere-Smith (a bit expensive, but oh so beautiful)

Any Nani Iro Japanese fabric from Matatabi

My mum doesn't have a blog (although she should, because she is always making something), but you can find her on pinterest here.

Pink & Green

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000+11:00

Some recent photos featuring one of my favourite colour combinations –

Seriously beautiful delicate plates belonging to my mum.

Succulents on my balcony.

Detail of the border of a 1930's style patchwork quilt, made by me as a teenager and quilted by my mum.

A scented geranium leaf, picked on a walk, resting on the most gorgeous hand-knitted blanket by Oscar's great aunty Fiona.

Pastels

2011-11-23T12:25:00.001+11:00

Oscar was fast asleep, the washing was done and I had a sudden urge to create something –

So I whipped out my barely used pastels,

found a brown paper bag,

and started this sketch of ginger, garlic and onion in a bowl. Then I was interrupted by Oscar's chatter as he woke up.

It's always nice to create something, and it has been a long time since I've sketched or drawn. Looking forward to the next occasion.

2011-11-22T07:21:00.000+11:00

Velvety chocolate cosmos flowers (from the balcony) adorn my dresser right now.

Warm weather

2011-11-21T07:09:00.000+11:00

In the warmer months of the year I change the bed linen over from a feather doona, to the beautiful patchwork quilt my mum made for me.

Gifts for a Sister

2011-11-18T08:30:00.000+11:00

Some etsy favourites that I think would be perfect for my sister, Amy.

Going Hunting – fine jersey hand printed circle scarf by Bark Decor

Long Etched Pearl Necklace by jibbyandjuna
1904 German Map of Tokyo from Bananastrudel

Cherry Blossom hand blown glass vase by Corporan Glass (ok, I know it is a tad expensive for a christmas gift, but if I could afford it, I'm certain she would love it.)

You can check out Amy's blog here.

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000+11:00

Beautiful vivid pink rose-like geraniums from my balcony are brightening up our kitchen table today.

A Tuesday Evening at Home

2011-11-16T13:42:00.001+11:00

Chicken salad wrap-making. How pretty are the mushrooms?

Then some bubbles on the balcony to entertain Oscar.

Gifts for a toddler

2011-11-11T12:55:00.000+11:00

When Oscar was born, I joined a mother's group and consequently met the most wonderful group of 10 new mums and their adorable bubs. For christmas, we'll be doing a Secret Santa, and Oscar and I'll be choosing a little gift for the gorgeous Toby. Here are my favourite gift ideas for toddlers from Etsy.

Skateboard Tops by Boardgames
Vintage Building Block Set and Box from Bellalulu
Tyrannosaurus rex epattern by Tiddliwink Toys (looking forward to the prospect of sewing something!)
Organic cotton shorts by Cloudlovebaby

PS Here is a treasury gift guide I created for Osc for Christmas (although I think he'll only be getting the t-rex and a book from me!)

Sydney Aquarium

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000+11:00

Sydney Aquarium is a really really lovely way to spend the day with an inquisitive, energetic 15 month old.

Frocktober

2011-11-10T13:35:00.001+11:00

I know its no longer October, but it isn't too late to sponsor my sis and her friends for their Frocktober efforts, every day of which can be viewed on her blog – http://tesstookit.tumblr.com/

Tess and her friends wore dresses for 31 days straight to raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Now, in November, they are all sighing in relief as they slip on some jeans!

PS Above Tess is pictured with fellow Frocktober friend Stacey checking out Art and About in Hyde Park, Sydney.

Sorry for my Blogging Absence

2011-11-09T13:43:00.005+11:00

I have not blogged for sometime, but I'm getting started again, now! How beautiful is the Australian bush? This photo was taken back in June 2011, somewhere near Brooklyn in New South Wales.

Rain

2011-08-01T11:37:00.005+10:00

We have had some really, really wet days in Sydney - the wettest for July since 1950! The clouds were beautiful. And it has made all the sunshine we are experiencing now feel so much sweeter.

African Violets

2011-07-04T22:39:00.006+10:00

These are brightening up my living room at the moment.

Happy Birthday!

2011-07-04T22:30:00.006+10:00

It was my partner Rodge's birthday last week. I made him an absolutely delicious Coffee Syrup Cake (topped with whipped cream and toasted almonds) from Margaret Fulton's Favourites cookbook. Happy Birthday Rodge!

Winter Sun

2011-06-28T13:59:00.004+10:00

The weather in Sydney has been so lovely recently – sunny but crisp and refreshing.

Zan + Mike

2011-06-17T22:24:00.003+10:00

Last weekend two of my old school friends got married – and they had the most beautiful winter wedding. Congratulations Zan + Mike.

In my parents' garden – Winter

2011-06-14T21:31:00.005+10:00

We've been having some very grey, wild and woolly weather here in Sydney but my parents' garden is more colourful than ever.

Celebrating our Arabic Speaking Communities

2011-06-08T17:43:00.008+10:00

On Saturday morning we woke to the sound of drumming and found this great festival on our doorstep. There was free entertainment, tea, coffee, falafels, sweets, dried fruits and nuts. What a fabulous way to start the day.

Pictured above is musician Tarek Sawires and family.

So pretty, Sorrento

2011-05-22T22:59:00.004+10:00

Just had the most beautiful weekend away for a friend's wedding, in the gorgeous location of Sorrento, Victoria.

Kitchen Tea

2011-05-11T08:46:00.002+10:00

Over the weekend Oscar and I are went to my good friend Zan's Kitchen Tea. The bridesmaids (including me) purchased her this oh so beautiful heirloom recipe box from rifle paper co which we filled with favourite recipes bought along by all the guests. I'm sure it will be a gift she will treasure forever.

And then it was my first ever mother's day as a Mum on Sunday. Oscar slept in 'til 9a.m. which was a fabulous present in itself!

Uruguay

2011-05-05T14:09:00.005+10:00

As promised, here are a couple of shots from our recent trip to the tiny South American country of Uruguay. Uruguay is a bit of a magical place, a quiet idyll of only 3 million people, squished between Brazil and Argentina. In Uruguay you can spot amazing old cars, horse and carts still being used, armadillos, hundreds of marvellous exotic birds, dung beetles, ants carrying leaves, thousands of cows and dirt roads everywhere! Above is a pic of two fishing boats, in the town of Neptunia, where we stayed. The other pic is a gorgeous shot of my son Oscar being bathed by his Abuela (grandma).

Uruguay

2011-05-03T13:43:00.005+10:00

My little family and I have been away for the past month, showing off my son Oscar to his Uruguayan relatives. This photo was taken in Cabo Polonio, a squatter settlement on the coast of Uruguay, last time I visited there, in 2009. I'll be uploading some piccies of our recent adventure in the next couple of days.

Ballet Ruse in Canberra

2011-03-10T16:39:00.008+11:00

Heading to Canberra for the weekend to check out the Ballet Russe exhibition at the NGA. It looks like it is going to be a very exciting, inspiring exhibition. I can't wait to see all the old textiles and beautiful gouache designs (the two above are by Léon Bakst, they are Costume design for an odalisque 1910 and Costume design for Shah Zeman 1910). We'll also be celebrating my little sister's birthday and I'll catch up with an old friend who moved there last year. It should be a lovely weekend.

Watercolour

2011-03-08T09:37:00.007+11:00

I recently completed a short course in watercolour at the National Arts School, here in Sydney. I love this photo of the test sheets and palettes. The teacher was the very talented Graham Marchant – you can check out his work here.

Gardens

2011-03-08T09:17:00.004+11:00

This photo is taken at my parents house. I love old pots.

2011-03-07T15:20:00.008+11:00

The Southern Drakensberg, South Africa. Circa 2006.

Imogen Eve

Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk

Pinterest

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011

Happy Birthday Dad!

Rain

Picasso

Baby girl names

Bookclub

Painted pebble #2

A trip to my parents place

Baby boy names

...

Cockatoos + Amy

I love the Australian Bush

Hexagon rock formation

Bisabuela

Scenes from Christmas

Christmas Gift Wrapping

Will + Jen

Christmas Angel

Photos

Happy Birthday Mum!

Kitchen Tea

Gifts for Dad

Christmas tree

House – Robyn Stacey

...

Christmas Cards

In the garden

Doll's quilt

Tuesday Night Dinner

Triceratops

Strawberries

Gifts for Mum

Pink & Green

Pastels

Warm weather

Gifts for a Sister

A Tuesday Evening at Home

Gifts for a toddler

Sydney Aquarium

Frocktober

Sorry for my Blogging Absence

Rain

African Violets

Happy Birthday!

Winter Sun

Zan + Mike

In my parents' garden – Winter

Celebrating our Arabic Speaking Communities

So pretty, Sorrento

Kitchen Tea

Uruguay

Uruguay

Ballet Ruse in Canberra

Watercolour

Gardens