Don Rex retro chair obsession

Rosie's back!  It's been a little quiet here on the blog.  A person could be forgiven for thinking that I don't care (sniff) but that's not true, I'm just struggling with time management most of the time.  My latest plan is to take back control of my time and energy with a planner board which of course I will stick to.  Work has been busy and I know all of you out there who work from home and juggle lots of interests will understand how things slip through the net.  My planner board WILL have time actually allocated to blogging so expect to hear from me a little more often.

Classic Don Rex retro - for sale $250

I've also been busy on new projects.  Trouble is that once I've finished a project I so often love the result and don't want to part with it.  Due to my current chair obsession, a quick chair count around the house alarmingly reveals that we have a grand total of 51 seats in the house.  Obviously this includes the couches which seats 3 each, brekky bar stools and my trusty computer chair(s) but still, it's time to relax the grip and market some projects I think.

Super cute, super comfy

The first cab off the rank is this little beauty, an original labelled Don Rex piece in solid cedar. I am really happy with the way it's come up, all the time and effort is worth it for results like this.


This girl has been lovingly stripped of all that nasty polyeurathane to bring out the wood grain and shape of the arms, although not so far that she loses her charm.  I've deliberately left a few nicks in the legs and the deeper patches at the tips of the arms, after all, she had a life before I met her.  She's  then been treated to 3 coats of danish oil to bring her to her best. The funky retro fabric will look fab as a feature anywhere and the compact size of these chairs means that every home can find space for one (except maybe mine at the moment but hey).

Love the atomic arm shape

Close up of the beautiful wood grain

The pictures really don't do this old girl the justic she deserves.  She is looking for her new home where she will be loved and appreciated for years to come.  Contact via this blog or through our Facebook Page
at  http://www.facebook.com/RecycledRosie

House Swap Holiday

It's been a bit quiet around the blog lately as we've been busy planning, packing and going on our very first house swap holiday.  House swapping is an idea I've been keen on for a while now but this is the first opportunity I've had to actually do one so we swapped our house on the Gold Coast with a family from Wellington for 8 days and so far, the swap has been a great success all round. 

The ethos of house swapping works really well with the idea of reducing waste and using what we already have but with a slightly different slant.  This way, we've been able to have the holiday we wanted to see our NZ resident rellos without having to drag two small children through hotel room living.  We've been able to spend more than we would have at local Wellington businesses and have had no need to hire cars, pay for hotels and generally hand our hard earned cash over to multinationals at every turn.  We can self cater if we want to and have access to everything a family needs to feel at home.  Perfecto!

I should say though that we have been very lucky this time to have been able to set up the swap with a family who, although we have never actually met them, came recommended to us through our NZ contacts (and presumably vice versa).  I sort of look at this as an easy introduction to the house swap world but I have to say it is something we will definitely do again in the future.  It's also let me see what works, what I'd do differently etc.  so that next time if we swap through an agency, I'll have a better idea how to play everything.

All up, we've had a lovely week in a beautiful Wellington home with all the comforts of our own home.  I've also admired many of the lovely pieces of antique and vintage furniture in the house, spent time at craft and handmade markets and checked out the vintage clothing and furniture shops in the City.  Wellington has a lovely feel about it and they seem partial to vintage and quirky so I've got lots or ideas and inspirations to bring home and get started on.  There are a few things I'm itching to get going with as soon as I get back, I can't wait.

Ring, Ring, the happiest sound of them all .....

This is just a quick post with one of my latest lovely finds.  This little telephone table just spoke to me and asked to be saved.  As usual, I was so keen to start that I forgot to take "before" pics but if you can imagine stinky, nasty orange berber fabric, a wonky leg and tatty finish, you're about there.  The lines and proportions are great though and now she's had a little bit of TLC I reckon this little one is ready for a funky new home.

This photo sadly doesn't do her justice, it's a horrible wet day here on the coast and getting any kind of decent light has proved elusive but I think she looks pretty great anyway.

Save a sofa

We have a "leather" sofa.  It was purchased new by hubs 3 years ago with the idea that a classic thick leather sofa would last and last and age gracefully.  Unfortunately very few products are designed to age gracefully or get better with age these days, in fact most seem to be designed not to age at all and require replacement shortly after the warranty expires.

The "leather" on our sofa began to peel off (indicating that "full grain leather" was a stretch at best but hey, different argument) getting worse and worse.  What started as a little peel has fast become a mess, with the arms, seat area and back all shedding their dark brown skin across the cream carpet every day.  So what to do with nothing new?  Cover it of course, but upholstery fabric is costly and sourcing enough second hand to cover such a huge sofa is not very realistic so I put my thinking cap on.


I ruled out patchwork and waaayyy too much work for this piece and kept thinking about what to do.  Then I went on a trip to Ikea with a friend from out of town (hi Jules).  Simply in an advisory role of course and to watch her shop.  Love the place but no buying stuff.

Obviously I was unable to resist a quick squizz round bargain corner on the way to the check outs - frustrated children who need lunch or sleep notwithstanding this is always the highlight of the visit for me.  There, in the cupboard over by the wood bits almost hidden from view was the treasure trove I had been looking for, a big stack of boxes containing fabric covers for discontinued lines.  Oh the joy!  Of course there was nothing there which would remotely come close to fitting our sofa but I took a gamble that buying two sofa bed covers would give me enough fabric to make something to fit beautifully.


The most awesome thing about these was the price, knocked down to just $9.95 each, what a steal.  If you've ever had to buy upholstery fabric in Australia you will know how ridiculously expensive it is so this was incredible.  Even the lady on the checkouts was amazed.

Now back to home to figure out all the bits and see if I could make something of it.  So far so good...  mess, what mess....

Keep you posted.

Hats a go go

A birthday party invitation for a set of 4 year old twins gave me the itch to make gifts for the girls.  I've been a bit light on the sewing projects recently as my own Miss 4 has sooooo many beautiful clothes.  I always thought I would make more for her than I do but with so many great hand me downs coming our way, I've not needed to use much of the lovely children's fabric stash I have collected over the years.

What to make?  Something personal yet simple and something which they could use.  I don't know the girls well as they are kindy friends and I have never met their mother so I stuck with pinks and purples with a bit of denim thrown in.  Hats, personalised, reversible and no Queensland parent ever has enough hats!

With a great idea in mind I set about finding a pattern as I've never made a hat before.  I was lucky enough to find a freebie pattern on the net so gave it a go and here are the results.

I'm pretty happy with the way they came out and delighted to say that they were made entirely from things in my sewing stash, no new anything had to be bought.  I'm not really sure if that is great for the "nothing new" or just an indication that really must stop hoarding fabrics but hey, love the results.  Both hats are reversible so they are basically the same but with different letters for each twin.

If I did hats again I would tweak the pattern slightly and I'm keen to experiment on one with a pony tail hole at the back for my daughter so I'll keep you posted when I next feel inspired to make one.  It's pretty grey and wet out there right now though so maybe our next sunny spell will get me going

.

Recycling comes in surprise ways

Today's blog post is a bit different to the ones I've posted in the past.  While yes, I've been busy with various projects which I will tell you about soon I promise, this one is about recycling in another sense and this is why I've decided to share. 

You may know that I've been recovering from injury recently.  Well, a future of surgery, recuperation and morphine for pain control doesn't figure in my one year, five year or life plans. So 6 weeks ago I stopped the painkillers and began to focus inwardly on healing the whole picture, mind and body.  Through rest, acupuncture (a million thanks to my wonderful acupuncturist and friend, Carla Chesters of Xtra Health, Burleigh Heads), inner focus, reiki and now yoga, I am pain free and getting stronger every day.  

Aside from the physical healing, the mental results have stopped me in my tracks and given me the wake up call I needed.  It has become clear (jumped up and bitten me more like) that my mind has been too busy, too crazy, I've been taking on far too much and achieving very little.  Stressed all the time and unable to give any one thing my full attention at any one time, I've been spiralling out of control, hearing negativity in my voice and my thoughts.  It's time to take a step back, live each moment and enjoy life one thing at a time (a challenge for the closet control freak but hey).

Yesterday I took the decision to stop officially practising as a hypnotherapist.  It's not that I don't love hypnotherapy, it's just not my job anymore.  There are many reasons for this and the main one is that while I'm helping clients, I'm not helping me or my family with this business model.  Don't get me wrong, I'm still a business owner, I've just changed the core of my business (more on that another time).  Recruitment agents will suggest that it's healthy to change jobs every 3-5 years and that's what I've done, I've changed jobs and boy do I feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders.

So what does all this have to do with reusing, recycling and sustainability?  Everything of course! 

Reusing my inner healing ability (which had been forgotten, shelved and was covered in dust) to get past what looked insurmountable at first glance.

Recycling (upcycling actually) my core business into a model which functions for me not against me.  Resuming control, refurbishing and creating something which works now from something which worked then, that's what recycled rose does, it's totally recycling.

Sustainability, well that's the choice I've made really, to be sustainable.  Sustainability comes from being able to stand the tests, to bend, grow and learn from every experience, good or bad.  Coming back stronger, more focused and happier than I can remember how to be, it seems so clear now.


This morning I saw the appointment with the surgeon in my calendar and cancelled it.  Just 6 weeks ago I was calling round trying to get an urgent appointment with any surgeon who would have me.  How great is that!

Operation bedswap - damage limitation

Firstly apologies for the absence, I've been off the radar to all but my nearest and dearest for the last few weeks due to a back injury.  It's been a very frustrating time for me as I've gone from never sitting still to having to be completely still most of the time.  It's been a journey so far and one which is set to change things for me long term but the good news is I'm improving every day and have had lots of time to reflect on more changes I can make to our lifestyle to simplify things.  I've found some great blogs and commentary from those whove taken similar journeys and am feeling quite positive all up.  For those who have known what's happening, thanks a million for all your support, it's been totally appreciated and has helped with sanity no end.

My injury has unfortunately meant that one big fat purchase has had to be made - a new mattress!  I've tried to avoid it and get round it through recycling but it is sooooo important for my mobility now that a compromise seemed mad.  We now have a new, super firm, back fixing mattress which doesn't fit our bed..... hmmm..... what to do?  Even in the bed shop, surrounded by all those beautifully dressed display beds (with no vegemite smears and kids toys on them), I realise I have NO desire to purchase one, it makes me sad to think of how many bed frames are out there already which no longer suit the needs of their owners??????   

SO, operation bed swap is underway.  Simple really, we need a nice king size bed frame (swap or sell) and have a lovely queen size one to swap or sell.  I'm betting there is someone not too far from here who has a king size bed which is too big for them/their room and wants to swap or sell it.  We shall see.  If this is you or anyone you know, take a look at the bed frame pic below and let me know if it's what you're after.  It's chocolate leather (pu I think) and in great condition.  Not including the mattress but will sell this seperately.

From tragedy rises something amazing

It's been a little while since I posted as there has been rather a lot going on in our lives, some of it positive and some of it negative - the usual ups and downs of family life.  There are also moments when I have thought, as a new blogger "why am I bothering to do this" or "no one will read it anyway" and I imagine all bloggers go through this from time to time. 

Sometimes though, something very special happens which shows the true strength of humanity, the kindness and compassion which underlies all the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.  This week, that something happened!  If I had ever doubted the power of the online community, the effect blogs and social media have on people, I take it all back.  The events of this week have taught me to value those around me every moment, to appreciate everything.

When tragedy struck for a second time for the King family, a fellow blogger and friend, Naomi Ellis at www.sevencherubs.com, decided to try to use her online community to make a difference, she thought she might be able to raise some money to help out, boy was she in for a shock!  In less than a week an outstanding amount of money has been donated, mostly by those who did not know the King family personally but had been touched in some way by the blogs they read, the lives they follow and the compassion they felt for the Kings.

Watching this unfold with such speed has grounded me to realise the good and kindness within those around me.  Maybe that person you just cut off in the traffic, glared at for holding you up or the girl behind the counter who seemed rude, is one of those who gave this week to a family they didn't know.  Perhaps those people have their own personal struggles going on and a smile could make all the difference to their day - just a thought!

Please read more about the events of this week and share with your friends here http://www.sevencherubs.com/2012/01/king-family-donations.html

Everything about this has me counting my own blessings as my heart goes out to this family.  It also leaves me feeling a whole lot better about the world I live in.  Well done Naomi for reminding me that sometimes a tragedy can bring out the best in people.  My thoughts are with the Kings during this terrible time they face.

 xxx

Unexpected early withdrawal symptoms

I'm well into the challenge now (well, first week and a bit anyway) and I've spent more of it than I expected making mental lists and fretting over all the things I "need" to replace this year which I will now not be replacing.  

I will admit that a little niggling voice has been chastising me for not having gone out and shopped up a storm before starting the challenge.  For the record, this was definitely something I made a point of NOT doing as it's so against the spirit of the whole thing.  We still have more "stuff" in this house than some whole villages will ever collectively own, something I'd like to remember, a lot.   

Some of the ridiculous things I've stressed about are:

• All the towels we own;
• my gym gear;
• the carpets in the house (????? that's a first, hadn't even noticed them until this week).

I'm thinking this is retail withdrawal and that it will pass, hopefully in the next couple of days. 

Apologies in advance though to all who share gym space with me as I will be looking very shabby, very soon, if not already.  On the upside, I will be clean and so will my ratty old gym clothes, I promise.

I'm feeling really positive and excited that it is already making me think about things.  Maybe I'm more of a retail junkie than I thought I was!

Keep you posted, 

Leigh 

Garage conversion - project room for me - YIPPEEEEEE!

Right, so here's the thing.  I know I'm lucky to have the space I have but with a houseful of students staying with us in the early part of this year I was worried about my projects taking a back seat when the spare room was in use.  When we had students last year I found that my activities kind of slowed to a stop as all my gear lives in the spare room wardrobe.

I'm really keen to scale it up this year, not the other way around so I put my thinking cap on.   Result - garage conversion!

Now, we have not been able to fit the car (or anything much else) in the garage for almost two years so nothing lost there.  However, the reason we have not been able to fit the car in is the amount of "stuff" lurking in there.  Solution - deal with the "stuff" and create a brand new "project space" and area for the printer/filing etc so that all that stuff is out of my therapy room - yay.

It's taken a bit of a reshuffle,otherwise known as "Leigh's Big Day In".  It was a big day and I was shattered by the end but I'm super excited by the space I've created.  I've split the garage in half  across the middle so that all the utility stuff is at the front and therefore easily accesible when the door is up. 

The non-projecty, non-sewing friends amongst you will look at this and maybe think, yeah so but to me, this means a whole new level of opportunity.  A space where I can have my "works in progress" around and can leave them out when I'm not working on them.  Somewhere where my machines, tools, fabrics can be set up and ready to go anytime without driving my family crazy, oh the bliss!  Any sewer or crafter with limited spare time will know relate to how much energy is spent packing up and getting out your stuff to work on the project.  Sometimes I'm getting too tired in the evenings before I'm even set up so a designated "Leigh space" is unbelievably decadent.  I've actually been cruising out there just to look at it and imagine the possibilities, sad but true.

So, without further blabbing on, here are the pics of my new "room":

2012 challenge "Make do with nothing new"

As I've got more into my recycling projects I've also become more thoughful of just how much of a throw away society we have become.  The only trouble with that is that there is no "away", all the stuff we chuck out is still here clogging up our space/planet and this bothers me.  I've also realised that stuff = stress and that I have way too much of both right now. 

Soooooo..... my challenge for 2012 is to "make do with nothing new" for the whole year in an effort to vastly reduce our family's footprint.


We are an ordinary family who have never attempted anything like this before so I do realise it's gonna be a huge challenge but I think I'm up to it and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it changes the way we live.  So here goes:

In 2012 I challenge myself to:

• Make no new purchases of non-essential items for 12 months.
• Source things we do need from recycled (preferably charitable) sources.
• Re-use and re-purpose things we already have in our household wherever possible.
• Consciously choose foods with minimal packaging and source all we can from local businesses.
• Recycle everything we can.
• Greatly increase the volume of food we grow ourselves organically.
• Continue to recycle and upcycle all sorts of things for my projects.
• Generally make do with what we already have and get creative with it.

Essential items are:

• food;
• toiletries;
• kids shoes & school gear;
• replacement of necessary household appliances should they be unrepairable; and 
• repair/servicing of cars and the caravan.  

After much thought I have also decided to exclude tools and materials for my upcycle projects from the challenge.  Although largely recycled, there are some things (paint, staples, threads etc) which simply cannot be obtained second hand.  

This is going to be a huge learning curve for us and I would love you to share all your positive suggestions, tips, advice and support.  Please remember that I'm a person, just like you, I'm not trying to tell anyone how to live, just trying something new for us.

I'm looking forward to blogging our progress, who knows were we'll end up?  Right now I'm off to install the "No junk mail"  sign on the letterbox.

Ciao for now