new clock and diy pyramid pouch

I was just looking at an Etsy shop that said something like, "we only use the finest quality cow skin. You'll never want to stop touching it!" I'm not sure if I found it gross because I'm a vegetarian or because it is actually gross. I'm suddenly really uninterested in leather now, even vintage/sustainable leather. Almost all of my shoes are leather, but I'm not going to replace them all. I guess I'm used to them and I'll try not to think about it. But I won't be buying anything leather any time soon, new or second-hand. This makes it even more difficult to find a backpack, because the ones on Etsy that I did like were in leather, and the sellers aren't interested in making them in anything else. Back to the drawing board...

Here is my first attempt at making something bag-like. (Baby-steps.)


It's squashed from being at the bottom of my bag and because I forgot to put interfacing in it, but let's just ignore that. I'm vaguely happy with the sewing, despite the fact that my machine is completely uninterested in sewing zippers (I broke two needles in the process). Looking for a decent second-hand Bernina. Also not so impressed with the colours I chose. I looked at it as a test piece and didn't want to waste especially cool fabric if I buggered it up. I found the tutorial here at LivingCreatively.com.au, which is such a great site. They have a bunch more quality DIY tutorials there.

I'm going to use it for Heidi & Seek petty cash and receipts, because I'm currently horrendous at keeping my money and business money separate.



By the way, I adore my new upcycled clock from pretty green. I used to have to keep my mobile phone in this corner to check the time and I still sometimes forget that I can just look at the wall now!

music. and free shipping info

I'm finishing up the Australian free shipping offer at my etsy shop, so if you're an Aussie and you've had your eye on something, now's the time! I'm ending it this weekend.



Just so this post isn't exclusively promo, I thought I'd share some tracks I'm loving at the moment:
The Knife - Got 2 Let U
I usually find The Knife a little boring, but this song is just so catchy and gets me in a good mood.
So They Say from Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
If you haven't seen Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, you have been missing out! It's available to watch online and doesn't go for that long. It's created by Joss Whedon of Buffy and Angel fame. Here's the trailer. Anyway I have been listening to the soundtrack (it's a musical) and it is so so catchy (and funnier in context).
Cloud Cult - Journey of the Featherless
I left you a love poem
The best I have written
My favorite words
Were the ones I couldn't spell
Sigur Rós - Inní mér syngur vitleysingur
I love singing along to this even though I have no idea what the words are.

things i would like to be mine

dress up dolls wall decals by lovemaestore

contemplation desk garden no. 2 by madebymavis

obsessive print by yaelfran

mini hardwood toy sewing machine by woodclinic

I've been working fairly non-stop this past week, so I treated myself to a bit of Etsy browsing. Very much considering buying that yaelfran print for my studio. Utterly adorable.

I love the idea of a contemplation garden. It wouldn't be too hard to find some sand and a pretty dish and a cute fork from an op shop.

I recently bought this belt from utilitywear on Etsy.
I think it will come in very handy for short trips.

I used to be quite happy lugging around kilos on my shoulder in a tote or handbag, but since I've had Ellie, I'm a little more wary of putting too much pressure on my neck and back, since they're already overworked. A backpack is the best option for everday use for me. I've been searching high and low on the net (plus just about every search page on Etsy with the tag 'backpack'. You'd understand how tedious that was if you knew how many non-backpacks come up in the search) to find something cute and unusual, because this one isn't wearing very well. I've found absolutely nothing I like. Bugger all.

When I have some spare time I will a) try to teach myself bag-making techniques b) design one I like and c) make it. I think it will be a long while away.

clearance sale at heidiandseek.etsy.com

There's a big 25% off clearance sale happening at my Etsy shop right now, on a range of my older stock. I've been in a creating frenzy recently but haven't done a photo shoot yet, so this is to make way for more new stuff! Here are a few of the things on sale:

Click to go directly to the sale section.