Sweet Mary

I have come across some beautiful button cards recently, all the way from "Gay Paree." Come along to the next Craft&Design Marke t, this Saturday 6th February.

Very early morning beach walking is the only way to go when in the midst of 30 degrees celsius days - Ocean Beach , Hawke's Bay. Photos taken by the clever husband.

Not much happening around here in the Sweet Mary studio, its hot and its holiday time, but there is a lot happening in the garden. The above photos were taken yesterday morning by my super talented husband - love those strawberries.

Happy New Year, 2016 to you all. I am a bit behind with everything so just working steadily through my "to-do" list and feeling satisfied with the gradual catch up. An unexpected visit across the ditch  for family and home again ten days later to my boys (human and canine!), prolific garden growth, especially the vegetables and two very chilled moggies. I was at the Craft&Design Market on Saturday, a very hot, still day which made me incredibly sleepy. Still, it was nice to see my fellow stall holders and chat to summer visitors to the Bay. Not too many sales though, I think people are all shopped out after the festive season. Our next market is on February 6th - see the large icon to the right.

Now, who knew that cats enjoy popcorn garlands? We didn't but have had a good laugh over Maisy's obsession with the puffed up grains. Telltale signs of pulled string and fallen popcorn crumbs and a "who me?" look all add up. Merry Christmas family and friends, enjoy the celebrations and I will see you back here from Thursday 7th January 2016.

Small at home harvest. We knew it was going to be a hot day today but we also knew that the lavender needed its first harvest of the season. So early on we arrived at the mini lavender field to harvest our five (yes, five!) very prolific lavender plants that reside at our friends' property. It didn't take long to cut and shape the plants before we settled down for a good chat and a cup of tea under the shade of the pergola. Home again to bunch the lavender and hang to dry from the repurposed curtain pole wedged in the corner of the garage where it is dry, shady and well ventilated. A few weeks down the line and I will start stripping the dried stalks of their scented rubbings to store for use in my Sweet Mary lavender filled sachets.