A year ago today...

..(well, a year ago last Tuesday anyway - it's a bit hard to post with no internet access. Just pretend I haven't been awol for the past week!) 

...I thought I might have a go at starting a little blog of my own, after reading (and loving) so many others. And I'm so glad I did, because this little blog of mine has completely changed my life. I thought it might be fun to take a trip down memory lane, and re-visit some of my posts over the past year.

A constant theme has been painting - no surprises there. I've painted everything from my kitchen...

...nice huh?  You can read the full story here if you missed it first time around.

...this mirror

....a canvas or two

...furniture

...and of course, loads of new artwork

all these and more in my Etsy shop

here

you can see more of these larger works on canvas here and on my Facebook page


I've shared some of my favourite houses from around the world...

...but by far, the best thing over the past year has been meeting you all. It's been great to connect with so many fabulous, generous, like-minded souls, many of whom I now consider friends. Thank you for your company, your friendship, support and advice. You've made this adventure so much better than I could ever have imagined. And don't worry, I've got lots more planned for the next twelve months and beyond, including some big surprises I'm busting to spill the beans about (I'll finally be able to reveal all in the next week or so). Hope you stick around for the ride!

Pretty in pink this Valentine's Day

Morning all, how are we this fine Valentine's Day? I do hope your day will be spent reclining on a bed of roses, scoffing choccies by the boxful. But if not, I hope this little bit of pink confection brightens your day a little:

'Study in Honeysuckle'

watercolour and gouache on paper

210mm x 297 mm

prints now for sale in my Etsy shop

I'll be spending the day on some new paintings, but first up this morning I'm meeting one of my lovely blog friends for coffee. I'll share all the goss with you tomorrow!

The generosity of blog friends...and an update

How wonderful is this blogging community? The lovely Mariska, of 'I used to be snow white but I drifted' fame (still love that name!) has joined forces with Elizabeth and Melanie, from Ivy & Piper, to donate their time and talents to help those who suffered so terribly in the recent floods. Selected artworks and linens are on offer, with the proceeds going to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. Take a look:

 Mr Smith's Blossom | limited edition screenprint signed and numbered

Ivy & Piper's gorgeous monogrammed linens 

Blossom in Lavender screenprint. Stunning!

So if you're in the market for some stunning new additions to your home, pay the girls a visit. You can email
ivyandpiper@hotmail.com, for details, and you can read more about it in the latest Ivy & Piper online magazine.

And while we're on the subject, I thought I'd give you an update on the sale I had earlier this month over in my Etsy shop. Thanks to your generosity, ten paintings totalling $250 were sold, all of which has been donated to help the flood victims. Thank you everyone, your response was amazing and I know your kindness will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

As I write this post this morning, I've spent a little time looking back on the past year, and what a year it was. After years of lurking in blogland, religiously devouring all of my favourites each day, I finally took the plunge and started my own little blog. I thought I'd find decorating inspiration and some great ideas, which of course I have, but I've found so much more than that. I've found a wonderful, supportive community of like-minded people, who are so generous with their time, energy and friendship, and it's been an absolute pleasure to meet each and every one of you. Thank you for being so wonderful, for your sweet comments, funny quips, great advice, fabulously inspiring projects......but most of all, thanks for making the last ten months so fantastic.You really are the best.

To end the year, I thought I'd revisit a few of my favourite pics - after all, what better way to wrap up things up than with some serious eye candy?

a little Round Hill magic

just because

my dream art studio courtesy of the uber-talented Steve and Brooke Gianetti

seriously stylish coastal style

I finally painted my kitchen white

the inspiration behind the makeover of my timber ceiling

some Meg Braff magic

the gorgeous home of Maggie Tabberer

...and I'll leave you with some festive season decorating Ralph Lauren-style

So, from my family to you and yours, have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. I'll be taking a little blogging break, but I'm really looking forward to catching up with you all again soon. See you in 2011!

A big Thank You!

Wow, what a great week! I've been lucky enough to have some wonderful blog friends mention Driftwood Interiors over the past few days, and a thank you or three is definitely in order.

Firstly, the lovely Abby from Two Little Dicky Birds kicked off her 'Blogs that Inspire' series with a lovely mention of my blog. Not only that, but she also put together a photo montage of some of my paintings. Abby's blog is absolutely gorgeous, and it really showcases her amazing photography skills, so pop on over and check out her blog, it's one of my favourites.

 you can read the whole post here

twolittledickybirdsblog.com

Not one, but two mentions on Monday! I received a lovely email from Sarah, whose blog, My First Little Place is one that's new to me. She very kindly posted about my mirror makeover, and the best part - I discovered another fantastic blog to add to my ever-expanding blog roll. Her blog is full of inspiration, from her design ideas for her first little place, to 'fashion, movies, pretty things and random things!' Sounds perfect, don't you think? Thanks Sarah!

 http://myfirstlittleplace.blogspot.com

And if that wasn't enough, on Tuesday, the gorgeous Kellie from Ada and Darcy posted about my painting, 'Kellie's Vase', which was inspired by a beautiful cloisonne vase in her stunning new shop, Ada and Darcy. Inspiration and a mention - too nice for words!

you can see the original vase here in Kellie's beautiful shop

So it's been quite a week. Thank you so much for the mention ladies, you're too kind. And, of course, thanks to all of you who visit my blog. You're all awesome to the power of you-know-what!

p.s dont't forget to enter my giveaway - your choice of an original painting. Click here to enter!

Blog friends

One of the best things I've found since starting this blog is meeting so many wonderful people. For the most part, the meeting is 'virtual', but I've also been lucky enough to meet some of my fellow bloggers in person.

Yesterday, I was invited to the home of the lovely Jenny of The Five Year Project, and we spent the morning chatting and sharing renovation stories over a cuppa. Jenny is as warm and friendly in person as she is on her blog, and I fell head over heels for her beautiful Queenslander, which she and her husband are in the process of renovating. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of a visit to her blog, here's just a little snippet of what you'll find there:

we had morning tea at this gorgeous table, which Jenny refinished herself

would you look at the domed ceiling - it's even more stunning in the flesh

...nothing like a great before and after, is there?

 Jenny's very talented husband built this kitchen island himself

her lovely, renovated master bedroom

hand-painted stripes in Jacob's room

Thanks for a great morning Jenny, and if you haven't already, pop on over to Jenny's blog - you can see all of the fantastic befores-and-afters on show. 

Also, thanks everyone for the lovely comments on yesterday's post - you guys are the best. Can't say it enough.

Have a great day,