Do you remember my little post about incorporating peacock feathers into your wardrobe? Well, one of my lovely readers, Ayesha, made a comment about how to make peacock feather earrings. The good news is that they’re so cheap, quick and easy to make, and the better news is that they go well with a tonne of different outfits and styles. They’re gorgeous! So firstly, let’s look at what we need to make these babies!

You’ll need: 2 feathers (I bought these from a $2 shop for, oddly enough, $1 each…), super glue, scissors, 2 beads, 2 earring hooks and some sort of pliers (I used some tweezers, but you could just use the scissors if you’re talented enough).

Step 1: Trim away the feather until you get the desired result. You could make a neat feather earring or leave all the dangly bits for a more bohemian kinda look.

Step 2: Cut the spine of the feather, leaving about 3cm. If you’re using a very long bead, or several beads, you’ll need to leave a longer length stem.

Step 3: Bend the spine in half (see picture above). Then dab a bit of glue on the outside of the spine.

Step 4: Slide on a bead, making sure there’s a tiny loop (say, a couple millimetres long) above the bead (for your earring hook to go in).

Step 5: Use your pliers to put the earring hook through the loop, and you’re done! Easy as pie, wasn’t it?! Here’s a tip: When you loop in the earring hooks, make sure they both face different directions. In other words, you want to make an earring for your left ear and one for your right ear, because when you wear the earrings, you want them to both face forward.

If you want to jazz it up even further, you could thread some beads through the bottom of the feather (see picture above), making sure you glue them in securely at the end of each bead. You can do this for any kind of feather, actually, you could even make a cluster of feathers, like these! Try it out, toots!

Big love,

Ivy

xx

Vicissitudes

Jason de Caires Taylor is that creator of the world’s first underwater sculpture park. His work highlights the relationship between contemporary art and the natural world, with the aim to increase hope, awareness and optimism related to nature’s state.

Jason (1974-) grew up in Canterbury, eastern England, with much of his early life spent in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. In 1988, he graduated with a B.A. Honors in Sculpture and Ceramics and is also a qualified diving instructor. He wanted to emerge his two passions together, and so he came up with the idea of the underwater sculpture park. To build the park, he had to sell his house to come up with the funds. In 2006, the Caribbean island of Grenada approved his idea, which includes some sculptures that tell the folk stories of the island.

I experienced three stages of emotions when looking at Taylor’s work. At first they appear eerie and haunting, but then they evoked a sadness, a loneliness. Lastly, there was a feeling of connectedness. That amongst this vast underwater scape, which is foreign and mysterious to us, we stand together, all alone but linked, because ultimately, we’re all the same as each other. And whether or not we belong there, it’s quite obvious that we’re all so small compared to the earth and water that we inhabit. There’s something greater than ourselves and that’s what links us together.

Grace Reef

Fall From Grace

Grace Reef

The Lost Correspondent

Inevitable

Tam - CC

To get an idea of what it would be like to come across his work while swimming through the ocean (in the Caribbean island of Grenada), take a look at this video. It’s quite ghostly but definitely fascinating. Taylor intends to create more underwater sculptures across the globe. He also made a series of sculptures on land, and you can check them out here.

What do you think? Do his pieces make your heart pound with excitement? How do they make you feel…?

Big love,

Ivy

xx

I’ve been cleaning out some old drawers and found some kitschy greeting cards from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. I love the art work, it’s always a colourful cartoon figure, usually surrounded by kittens and flowers. I miss those kind of greeting cards. They really don’t make them like they used to! Now everything seems to be computer generated or a photo of something (usually enhanced by a computer!).

It must be the fact that I’m not 8 years old anymore, and now have a passion for vintage pieces, because I see these cards in a new light. Instead of seeing a birthday or ‘get well’ card, I see some pretty cool fashions! I realise the picture above is a huge inspiration board, but there were just so many cards that were too fascinating not to include.

Have you noticed a theme in the clothing on the cards? Bows. Almost all of the figures are wearing bows! And there are a lot of peter pan collars (I’ll be writing a ‘how to make a peter pan collar’ tutorial in the coming days), mary-jane flats, puffy billow sleeves, bows and flowers in their hair - it’s all very pretty and feminine. I love it.

So I thought I’d put all this inspiration into a few Polyvore sets. They remind me of Alice in Wonderland or fairy-tales, like Snow White. When wearing these outfits, it seems appropriate to go pick berries and flowers, where squirrels and deers roam.

A peter pan collar, flat velvet mary-janes, white lace socks, a bright blue pea coat, a bow on her headband, a petticoat peeking through the bottom of the dress, and a basket to collect wild flowers in the valley. I can imagine this girl smells of lollies, like pink musk and boiled candy. And she doesn’t just go to the valley to pick flowers, she likes to meet the farmer’s boy for smooches! (Click here for product information.)

Kitten heels, a flattering 50’s dress, with matching rose earrings and matching pink gloves with bows on the wrists. In the morning she sprays on her perfume, but by noon she smells like cupcakes. She loves to bake them for afternoon tea with Joanie, her beloved neighbour. (Click here for product information.)

Loose rolled up jeans, a roll neck jumper with puffy sleeves, a warm woolen beret and a bow tied around her neck. She lives in a house covered in ivy vines, where the paint on the ceiling is peeling, a lot of repairs are needed and blue birds choose to make their nests. She has mandarins everyday for morning tea and cooks delicious meals for her kitten named Harlequin. (Click here for product information.)

She wears corsets over frilly, lace shirts, with long full skirts, and flowers in her hair. She takes a stroll every morning and protects her porcelain skin with the shade of a parasol. You can smell the sweet scent of the flowers in her hair when she walks by. (Click here for product information.)

I seriously get lost when I make these sets, it’s very easy to do so as they each have a distinct place in time. It’s funny where you can find fashion inspiration, it’s not only in fashion spreads of magazines, but in every little nook and crannie. I think I’m going to hang some vintage greeting cards on an ‘inspiration string’ and dream of far away places (and that corset in the last set. Amour!).

Big love,

Ivy

xx

I stumbled across this amazing dress by Tamsy Hamley, which is designed to take the ladies from ‘work to flirt’. A dress which begins off with three quarter sleeves, a square neckline and falls just over the knees, then converts into a sweetheart neckline, above the knee dress with red satin accents. It can take you from work in the office by day (not sure about the cheesy onlookers in the picture above…) to an after work date without having to take a change of clothes to work.

The dress isn’t in stores yet, but apparently “several high street chains” plan on stocking the dress. I think it’s quite ingenious, versatile and creative. Anything that has added bonus functions gets a big fat tick in my book. What do you guys think? Yay or nay?

Big love,

Ivy

xx

I’ve been on a bit of a shopping spree lately, so I thought I’d show you guys the goods. I’ve actually promised myself that I wouldn’t shop anymore. Well, at least for a few months, as mama’s got some bills to pay. Do you ever do that too? Shop when you can’t afford to then feel absolutely guilty for doing so? It would make me feel better if you said ‘yes’. Let’s see if I can pass the test, huh? I hope this post doesn’t come across as showing off or something, I just love looking at other peoples stuff, so I hope you do too.

Vintage brown lace jacket, $6 - I feel like I step into the 1940’s during the Great Depression when I wear this. That’s a good thing!

Vintage purple shirt with tails, $16 from Vintage With Heart (my favourite eBay store) - This is such a unique piece, I had to have it even though it’s 2 sizes too small. I’m planning a way to enlarge it…

Marcasite heart ring, $7 - I adore marcasite. I would choose it over rubies and emeralds any day.

R2D2 necklace, $3.25 from Betsy Blonde - I’ve never watched Star Wars, but I dig this necklace for the kitsch factor.

Vintage flat black brogues, $10.50 - They have those little fringes on the front which remind me of moustaches. Love.

Silver butterfly mirror necklace, $10 by Anna Sui - I’m a big fan of Anna Sui and this necklace is a good example of why she rocks. The necklace opens up into a tiny mirror! So cute.

Vintage black and white belted dress, $10.50 - When I put this on I feel like a 1960’s housewife ready for tea with my neighbour. It looks great with black tights and flowers in my hair.

Round leopard rockabilly handbag, $12.99 - This is such a sturdy bag, really good quality. I love a bit of leopard print in an outfit - only sparingly though!

Green polka dot rockabilly skirt, $10.50 - I’m a polka dot addict. And I think this looks wild with my red hair.

Black and white sling-back heels, $1 (!) - I never wear heels (I wish I could, but I can’t walk in them), however, these were only a buck! A buck!! And they fit so well, considering my wide size 10 feet always have trouble finding comfortable shoes. Mine.

I feel like I have everything I need for autumn, I’m set. Except I still want a tulle petticoat to create an authentic 50’s look. What’s on your wish list for this season? Have you bought anything that’s way out of your budget? What are you dreaming of?

Big love,

Ivy

xx

I received a text message the other day from my friend Michael, asking; “What’s a good cheap, alcohol-free thing I could do with _____ tonight?” Ah, young love! Firstly, an ‘alcohol-free’ date is highly recommended, because while drinking can lower our inhibitions, it’s hard to properly get to know each other when you’re in a unnatural state of mind. Cheap? There are plenty of things you can do with your date that won’t cost you a dime! I’ve made a list of 50 creative, inexpensive (or free!) and fun date ideas that are sure to make it a memorable one.

1. Go to your local park and fly a kite together. And if you don’t have a kite, maybe you could make one together, then fly it!

2. Cook together. In my experience, most people say they’re great chefs, but you’ll never know until you test the goods! But if the results aren’t very tasty, you could always have a food fight.

3. Skate - Whether that’s ice-skating or roller-skating, you’re sure to have a laugh together and work on your buns at the same time - bonus.

4. Rent out some old b-grade horror movies (that would be my choice) and there will be a great excuse to snuggle.

5. Go on a bush walk or to a park and take some photos.

6. Visit your local planetarium and gaze up at the stars. If you don’t have a planetarium, a telescope will do, or even a drive to a look-out where there’s an open sky.

7. Get a map, close your eyes, and point to a place on the map. Take a drive, train or bus ride there and explore!

8. Paint balling - It’ll get your adrenaline pumping and heart racing.

9. Go-karting.

10. Visit a jazz nightclub. Dress up like Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis, and watch the people stare at you in awe.

11. Take a dance class together. There are a lot of places which offer their first class for free, so take up the opportunity!

12. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. The warm fuzzy feeling you’ll get in your heart won’t just be from the attraction you have between each other.

13. Your local council has its own website. So go online and check out the recreation section to see what’s on in your area.

14. Apple or berry picking is a cute way to get your hands dirty while sharing some yummy fruits!

15. Go to the zoo and monkey around - bad joke, I know…

16. Make a trip to the thrift store a fun challenge - set a limit of $3, buy the most ridiculous items of clothing, then wear them for the rest of the day.

17. Watch a movie at a drive-in theatre - it’s the typical 50’s date but oh-so fun and snuggle-icious!

18. Watch a dress rehearsal for a play - it’s a free show!

19. Go to an arcade - In my opinion, skill-tester machines and air hockey kick arse.

20. Walk along the beach - clichéd, I know - but spruce it up by building sand castles, collecting seashells and wearing seaweed as jewellery. Or depending on your climate, make a snow man together. Or a scarecrow!

21. Go to a cemetery and read the headstones - spooky and fascinating!

22. Go to a supermarket, buy party poppers and sparklers, wheel each other in shopping trolleys and then play hopscotch in the car-park.

23. Test drive a luxury car that neither of you can afford.

24. Make a bonfire and roast marshmallows.

25. Go to your local library, explore books on astrology, then check out your compatibility with each other.

26. Have your palms read or get a tarot reading!

27. Go to an art gallery, museum or science centre.

28. Visit a bonsai nursery and learn how to trim a bonsai. Then buy one for your date as a remembrance of the fun time you had together.

29. Take a trip to the bowling alley and let your date win. Just this once.

30. If you both have dogs, take them for a long walk. Poop bag included.

31. Create a theme night - If your date loves butterflies, watch movies like ‘The Butterfly Effect’ or if their favourite colour is red, bake them red cupcakes, with red wine while watching ‘The Hunt For Red October’.

32. Tell your date to reserve a certain day and time, then leave them a trail of notes and clues to get your date from point A. to B. At the end they could find you on a picnic rug with their favourite dessert.

33. Swing on a swing set and see who can go the highest!

34. Visit a restaurant with a difference - You could go to a vegan or vegetarian place, or something like Dracula’s - a theatre cabaret restaurant!

35. Go bike riding together. Or hire a two person bike and let him do most of the peddling.

36. Take the ferry at dusk - romantic!

37. Play board games, 20 questions, truth or dare or poker! Use M&M’s instead of money. Or if you’re feeling up for it, play strip poker! Kinky.

38. Go to a baseball or football match and pretend you’re huge fan by chanting at the top of your lungs and wearing face paint in your teams colours. Make sure your date does the same, otherwise you may just seem loopy.

39. Go fishing and paddle your feet in the water.

40. Buy the biggest canvas in the art supply store, lay it on the grass in a park or your yard, and create a collaborative painting together. It could be something as basic as a Jackson Pollock piece or even a finger painting!

41. Shop at a flea market.

42. Karaoke - Listening to the reject Idol contestants will be hilarious!

43. Take a row boat out on the lake at sunset and feed the ducks.

44. Go to a comedy club.

45. Play bingo together and try and beat the old ladies!

46. Visit a haunted house.

47. Have a shaving cream fight.

48. Go to a park or forrest and pick the prettiest leaves or flowers you can find.

49. Get you faces painted at a kid’s festival. No festival? Paint your faces at home! Then take photos of them.

50. And my favourite thing to do on a date - go to a amusement park! Try the merry-go-round and share cotton candy.

Ah, all these things have me in a romantic mood! But of course, these ideas don’t just apply to dates, you can do most of these with your friends, children and family, too! So get crackin’ lovelies! Enjoy yourselves!

Do you have any more dating ideas? Sharing is caring!

Big love & smooches,

Ivy

xx

This is my 100th post! Yay! I don’t know why reaching a rounded number is so exciting, but it just is. Thank you so much for all your support, interaction, loveliness and encouragement! Can’t wait until I get to 1,000! Then 10,000! Then… one MILLion! Then… yeah you get the drift.

Tonight, I’m off to a Messy Creations party where it isn’t uncommon to see girls with angle grinders shooting sparks from their hips, and people dressed as fairies and elves. It’s going to be oozing awesomeness.

I’ll leave you with a few of my favourite songs to get you set for the weekend!

Ween - Own Bare Hands

The Andrew Sister - Rum & Coca Cola

Dick Dale & The Del Tones - Misirlou (You might remember this one from Pulp Fiction.)

Missy Elliott - Shake Your Pom Pom

BIG big love,

Ivy

xx