High Tea Party - Birthday Celebration with Vintage China Cake stands and Flag Bunting

 Planning a High Tea Party at home is easy!

Bunting Flags - Vintage Embroidery & Roses Fabric - Tea Garden Party

Some of my close friends celebrate birthdays at a similar time - basically 3-4 weeks between birthdays.
High Tea is a great way to celebrate with friends. 
Op Shops, Ebay, Etsy, Second Hand Stores also Grandmas old china are great place to find gorgeous vintage floral china such as, cups, saucers, side plates, sugar bowls, platters etc. Also vintage silverware such as cake forks, tea spoons etc.
All of the above items can be found new, at department stores but I love the thrill of great thrifted items second hand.

I personally prefer mixed vintage china. I like to buy trios that match (cup, saucer & side plate).
I always include my own handmade flag bunting.

A great idea is to asks guests to bring their favourite High Tea items (if you don't have enough) to the birthday celebration. 
Because we celebrate all four Birthdays at once, every year, we ask all guests to bring something yummy to share.

High Tea often includes savory, bite-sized sandwiches, scones or biscuits, and sweets accompanied by a good pot of tea or two (we usually have at least two teas available at any one time). 
The food is prepared before your guests arrive, and is presented buffet style. When placing the food on high tea stands - the top tier is usually for sweets, middle tier is for scones, cup cakes, muffins, etc. The the third tier (the largest plate of the stand) is for savoury: sandwiches, savoury slices such as quiche/frittata, etc.

We rotate the High Tea at each others house, every year.
It's the celebration that is fun to share with close friends (and family if you choose to).

My bunting is made often made from preloved materials & fabrics. Bunting can be reused for all sorts of special occasions: Birthdays, Wedding, Engagement, Kitchen Tea, Welcome Home, Farewell, Mother's Day, Christmas, Baby Shower, etc. 

Theres also no need to go and buy an expensive tablecloth. I have bought a cheap pre-loved lace 'curtain' from an op shop and place it over a 'boring but basic' plain cotton tablecloth that I had.

When it comes to bunting I prefer to work with preloved fabrics, vintage sheets, embroidered tablecloths, vintage doilys & vintage lace, etc...... for a unique one of a kind look.

www.madeit.com.au/merry-go-round

www.etsy.com/shop/MerryGoRoundHANDMADE

Bunting Flags - Vintage Embroidery & Roses Fabric - Tea Garden Party

Bunting flags are traditionally hung up in a babies room but also used for kids rooms and are a great party decoration.

Flag Bunting Vintage - Retro Blue Floral . Shabby Chic, Party Decoration

Ideal for a Party, Birthday Present, Wedding, Engagement, Hosting a Baby Shower, Photography Prop, Market Stall or just Decorating a room.
Would look very pretty at your next Bridal Shower, Tea Party, Birthday Party, Garden Party / BBQ!

Flag Bunting - Retro Pink MULTI Vintage Florals . Shabby Chic, Party Decoration

All of our bunting is quality made to a high standard and fabric is chosen carefully for the right combination that you will love.
We offer a lovely mix of colours and fabrics to create a special overall look.
Most of my Flag Buntings are One of A Kind (OOAK).

Flag Bunting Vintage Style - Roses and Ivory Lace Flags. Party, Wedding . High Tea Banner Decoration Birthday - Sustainable / Reusable

Flag Bunting Vintage - Country Roses & Doily Lace Floral Fabric Flags . Garden Tea Party Decoration. Party Banner, Market Stall, Pennant

Cake Stands: 
https://www.facebook.com/katenrose

Madeit and some of it's makers help raise money for the NSW and Victorian volunteer rural firefighting services & other charities.

Madeit asked it's makers to help raise money for the NSW and Victorian volunteer rural firefighting services in the face of Australia's worst ever bushfire crisis.

Madeit makers that chose to take part in this event (it was optional) had to create a product for the cause to list in their Madeit store. Madeit promoted the campaign and all sale proceeds are being donated to either the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) or the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to support those fire services worst hit by the current crisis. This event started on the Madeit website: 13th January 2020

Each Madeit seller that partcipitated, donate the full proceeds of the sale to one of the two fundraisers or a charity that has been involved with the bushfire crisis.
I quickly responded to make some handmade items with an 'Australiana' theme. It was wonderful to be able to contribute, donate to such wonderful Australian charities.
So what is Australiana? Australiana includes the items, people, places, flora, fauna and events of Australian Origins.

Visit my Madeit store

Koala Apron - Now SOLD
Full item price was donated to Wildlife Australia

Australian Cockatoos Apron - Now SOLD

Full item price was donated to Wildlife Australia

Australian Fish Apron - Now SOLD
Full item price was donated to CFA Vic.

Australia Zip Pouch/Purse - available. Visit my Madeit store to purchase.

Australian Cockatoo Pouch/Purse - Now SOLDFull item price was donated to Wildlife Australia.

Australiana 'Outback Country' Apron - Available. Visit my Madeit store to purchase.

More recently listed handmade items - Vintage Bunting, Holly Hobbie Zip Pouches etc.

Did you know there is a real Holly Hobbie? Yes, the author of the popular Toot and Puddle children's books and the creator of the character bearing her name.

A cherished classic 'illustrated icon' from my childhood in the 1970's, It has always been a love for me.

Over the years I have created Flag Buntings & girls kitchen aprons. 

Just recently I have listed my large zip pouches on Madeit & Etsy.

* Vintage upcycled / pre-loved Fabrics & Holly Hobbie front, upcycled Denim Fabric back and Zip closure. * Fully Lined inside.* Faux leather pull tie.

* 250mm W x 230mm H - (10 inches x 8.7 inches) - Approx* Plenty of room for pens, pencils, a good book / novel, notepad, Kindle or whatever you choose.

You will find other handmade items using vintage, upcycled Holly Hobbie fabric:

Holly Hobbie and Friends Vintage Floral Flag Bunting

Holly Hobbie Vintage & Floral Pink Flag Bunting

Holly Hobbie Vintage & Floral Flag Bunting

Holly Hobbie Girls Vintage Retro Fabric Kitchen Apron

https://www.instagram.com/mgrhandmade/

https://www.facebook.com/MerryGoRoundHandMade2/

Collaborate for a Cause Charity Auction, raising awareness & funds for Beyond Blue

Time to time, I have taken part making an item for charity. Various items of the years such as bunting, aprons, illustrations, etc. It's important to give back to community. Especially to raise money for important & worthy charities.

I was contacted by Jade at Findis Designs. She makes beautiful kids fashion and made a beautiful girls dress.
Jade was wondering if I would like to part & donate a custom bunting.
Yes, I made a vintage bunting from vintage floral fabric & vintage embroidered tablecloth.

Annette from Rainbow Lane making a gorgeous matching doll & Julie from Crazy Lyka joined us to make a lovely collection of hair accessories.

The final result, was amazing, as you can see! The collaboration looks stunning.

Beyond Blue was chosen as the Charity.
If you don't know what Beyond Blue is, it's a charity working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety disorders and related mental disorders. beyondblue works in partnership with health services, schools, workplaces, universities, media and community organisations, as well as people living with anxiety and depression, their friends and family, to raise community awareness of anxiety and depression and reduce associated stigma.

The organisation that holds the charity auction is Collaborate for a Cause
The annual Collaborate for a Cause Auction for Charity is back for a seventh year! To find out all the details visit the website collaborateforacause.weebly.com

Please view the items available in the auctions, there are many handmade crafters / artisans that have collaborated towards this great event!

2017 - Collaborate for a Cause Charity Auction Album


This year's charity auction will run from 28th July to 30th July 2017.


I would like to thank the lovely Lis from Lolly & Me for the wonderful photography.

Sustainable Handmade Collective - Showcase * A Winter Woodland Adventure 31st May 2017

I just love the Sustainable Handmade Collective.
It's been a little while since I have been part of these fun and eco - friendly handmade showcases, it was about time I joined in and present some items in the this winter showcase.

So what is the the Sustainable Handmade Collective?
"Sustainable handmade creations...where handmade pages come together to showcase their creations. We pride our selves with using upcycled, reclaimed, recycled, sustainable fabrics, fibres and materials."

A number of times a year, you will find the Sustainable Handmade Collective will have a themed showcase. A maker will handmade items, often, one of a kind, just for the showcase that are made available for purchase for a just a short time.
This showcase is featured on the Sustainable Handmade Collective facebook page.

This Wednesday night is 'A Winter Woodland Adventure'. Starting at 7.00pm.
31st May 2017

"A showcase to begin Winter bringing with it the beautiful earthy tones of Autumn.
Think those sweet little florals, forest animals, rich earthy tones, sprigs of forest mushrooms, colours of the leaves, textures and warmth."

 Here are the images of the handmade items I have made for the A Winter Woodland Adventure

Vintage Upcycled Tea Towel Apron - One size fits most.
'Rabbit loves Carrots' Vintage Tea Towel - Linen Tea Towel, Cotton Vintage Panels & Cotton Vintage straps etc.

Vintage Upcycled Sarah Kay / Holly Hobbie style Flag Bunting.
Doilies that I have used are vintage with a history and a past, some showing slight signs of age and possible minor imperfections.
This truly adds to the charm of this ‘one of a kind’ vintage bunting.
Nine (9) flags, 2.5m in total length (end to end).

Vintage Upcycled Tea Towel Half Kitchen Apron - One size fits most.
'ANTIQUES Shop' Vintage Tea Towel - Linen Tea Towel, Cotton Vintage 'skirt' & Cotton Vintage straps etc.
Has a small 'hidden pocket' under the linen apron (on the 'skirt - opens to the right hand side).

Vintage Upcycled Tea Towel Apron - One size fits most.
'Rabbit Cooks' Vintage Tea Towel - Linen Tea Towel, Cotton Vintage Panels & Cotton Vintage straps etc.

Vintage Embroidered Doilies & Fabric Flag Bunting.
Doilies that I have used are vintage with a history and a past, some showing slight signs of age and possible minor imperfections.
This truly adds to the charm of this ‘one of a kind’ vintage bunting.
Nine (9) flags, 2.8m in total length (end to end).

Upcycled 'Denim Jeans' Utility Work Apron -
Best Fit: Adult - size 10 -16
Made from Men's Denim Jeans, Cotton Vintage Fabrics (three different fabrics).
Use: Cooking, Craft, Gardening.

You will find and can purchase these items and MANY more at  Sustainable Handmade Collective

Facebook page -  'A Winter Woodland Adventure'. Starting at 7.00pm.
31st May 2017

 Sustainable Handmade Collective Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/sustainablehandmadecollective/

My Wedding Bunting featured in the Polka Dot Wisdom blog - Brides section, recently via Madeit

It is lovely to be featured in a blog, especially a an Australian blog 'Polka Dot Wisdom' featuring Madeit sellers.
The blog section is called ''What Would They Know? Louise McCauley of Made It', which features in the Polka Dot Bride section.
Louise discusses what MadeIt is, the types of handmade items & sellers. The blog features one of the many sections of the Madeit website, that is, handmade for Weddings.

Vintage Bunting Retro Multi-Colour Floral Flags.
Party, Wedding Home Decoration

As quoted in the blog by Louise "Not many brides are chasing a cookie-cutter wedding anymore and as weddings become less about tradition and more about a couple’s true expression of their love, adding a personal touch to the day is important for making your wedding say something unique about you and your partner. Handmade offers the ability to find unique and personalized products in a way that mass-production can’t."

I certainly agree, there are now many wedding magazines dedicated to non-traditional weddings such as 'Hello May' magazine & 'White' magazine.
Couples want creative & fun weddings and want to give expected traditions (that they want to keep) a new twist that’s more in sync with their style.

I rarely get requests for white bunting, I don't like to have it in my store.
Brides want something special, unique and ideally something that is One Of A Kind (ooak). My vintage bunting is ideal for weddings. I'm happy to consider custom quantities & lengths.

Please view my Madeit store for more Bunting styles, there are many to choose from!

MadeIt Mother's Day Handmade Gift Guide 2016 - my vintage bunting featured!

I'm loving the MadeIt Mother's Day gift guide! 

Many great handmade gift ideas to be found in this online guide.

 
Also featured is my vintage handmade bunting!

 

  View MadeIt Mother's Day Gift Guide here

 

Madeit.com.au is Australia's premier online buying and selling destination for handmade & independantly created items.
Madeit showcases Australia's most creative art, design & crafting talent. Lovers of amazing handmade and independantly created products can purchase items on Madeit direct from the sellers with products ranging from fashion, art, homewares, accessories, stationery, toys, children and babies clothing and much much more.
Buyers can shop on Madeit knowing they are supporting independent designers & crafters as well as the whole Australian made industry at large.
Madeit sellers are showcasing and selling their products all day every day to every corner of Australia and the world. 

 

Mother's Day is soon - Bunting & afternoon tea is a great way to celebrate in style with mum.

In Australia, Mother's Day is Sunday 8th May 2016.

I have a large range of bunting in my Madeit store, especially vintage bunting.

Bunting flags are a great party decoration.

Ideal for a Party, Birthday Present, hosting a Baby Shower, Engagement, Kitchen Tea, Wedding, Special Functions and Corporate Events, Photography Prop, Market Stall or just Decorating a room.
Would look very pretty at your next Garden Party / BBQ!

Cheer Up your favourite space, a study, craft room, etc - all year round!

 

Many more vintage buntings in store at Madeit!

 

  View MadeIt Mother's Day Gift Guide 2016, here

 

 

 

More batches of Vintage Bunting & New Bunting have recently made

With the busy months of the end of last year, some of my popular bunting styles had sold out and Christmas / New Year meant no time to replace.

I have recently completed a few lots of bunting that have been popular.
Including a few styles that are shown below.

Flag Buntings are ideal for a Party, Birthday Present, hosting a Baby Shower, Engagement, Kitchen Tea, Wedding, Special Functions and Corporate Events, Photography Prop, Market Stall, Garden Party / BBQ or just Decorating a room.

Celebrate in Style!

 Vintage Bunting - Retro Eco Multi - Green Floral Flags
Can be found in my Madeit & Etsy online stores.

 Vintage Bunting Spring Ivory Lace Floral Flags

 Can be found in my Madeit & Etsy online stores.

 Paris Roses Vintage Style Flag Bunting Lace

 Can be found in my Madeit & Etsy online stores.

 Coastal Beach House Flag Bunting

 Can be found in my Etsy online store.

Vintage Bunting - Retro Eco Multi - Green Floral Flags

 Can be found in my Madeit & Etsy online stores.

I also did some other fun things other than sew over the Xmas break, for example,
I planted up my Angus & Celeste 'Magnolia' (made in Melbourne) hanging plant pot
with a plant - 'String of Pearls'.
It was my Christmas gift to myself!!!!!!!