And The Winner Is...

Just a quickie this morning as I'm heading out the door as my 'How To Decorate' Workshop is on today... Yay... I can't wait to get to The Little Cottage and meet the gang...

But before I go - I'm announcing the winner of the Murobond giveaway ... Drumroll please....
Barbara - (from Canberra) - you're the winner.... Send us an email with all of your details and we'll pop your prize in the post....

Happy Saturday Everyone...

sx

Progress?...

What an engineering feat this pool is? So many worker bees, so much timber, so much stone, so much concrete! Who would have thought that a pool would require so much attention.... But here you have it, the inners of our pool - and the knowledge that things are moving along... Albeit at a snails pace given that the last few weeks have seen a little rain in our area... But all is moving along now - and the stone Pergola is beginning to take shape too... Hopefully we'll be in for Christmas - fingers crossed!
sx

Workshop Time...

We're very excited here at The Little Cottage as we have another of our 'How To Decorate' workshops on this week... It's such beautiful weather in Bangalow right now - the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming... We are a frenzy getting everything in order and Nicky is crazily beginning preparations for our delicious ploughman's lunch... It's days like these that Bangalow is at its finest - and life moves at a beautifully languid summer pace... Ah....

We've had such a great response to our workshops and have the dates for the 2011 workshops up on the website - spaces are moving quickly so if a day in Bangalow is on your new year agenda then check out the dates and the different workshops here for one that sparks your interest.

Our last workshop for 2010 is the 'Just Colour' Workshop on 19th November... We've had a huge response to this workshop and many of you missed out as places are strictly limited. However, at the last minute we do have two more spots available. The 'Just Colour' workshop is a very intimate day - as we explore the nuances of colour in a project based, hands on kind of way. Colour is the very essence of an interior - the most important aspect to get 'just right'... If you're interested in attending the 19th November workshop then email us here or call The Little Cottage on 02-66872184...

I hope to see you in Bangalow for a day of decorating real soon...

From My Garden...

Look at what I found in my garden this afternoon - a beautiful rose with the most lovely scent...

Finally the rain has subsided and the sun is peeking through long enough for the boys to get cracking on my pool!!! Beautiful days...

Papier Mache Me

I do love Papier Mache - the online childrens magazine filled to the brim with simply sublime photography of just the cutest kids around. I particularly love the photography - I've seen nothing quite like it before - it is whimsical, soft and far away.... These pics are of a store in Copenhagen - and make me feel right at home... x

Another fantastic giveaway..

We have had such an amazing response to our pretty fab giveaways that we just had to organize another and we know you are going to absolutely love this next one courtesy of Murobond.

This week we are giving away a chalkboard kit which includes a 500ml pot of Society Inc chalkpaint, small chalkboard, brush and a cute Murchison canvas bag!  

Thanks to the ever so generous team at Murobond for this giveaway, visit their website for more information on their lovely products and check out the christmas workshops they have coming up! Or, if you can't make it to my workshops here in Byron Bay - then I will be appearing at Murobond in February next year - check out their website for all of the details.

Now all you have to do to be in the chance to win, is become a follower of our blog, or follow the link to our facebook page and "like" us. If you've already done the above then all you have to do is sit back and wait until Friday when we announce the winner, who knows, you may just be the proud new owner of a lovely chalkboard feature somewhere in your home. 

Good luck!

 

A Mother Of All Balls...

Did you think I'd gone AWOL this week? Well, in a way I kind of did racing around the country like a crazy lady! Monday was spent in Melbourne - meeting up with some lovely like-minded peeps and enjoying the gorgeousness that is Melbourne food and wine! And then, Wednesday to Friday I was in Sydney styling my table for The Mother Of All Balls!!! MOAB is a yearly ball held to fundraise for the YWCA with Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown as their patrons. This year was a Rock The Kasbah theme - with camels galore and gals in their colourful kaftans and the boys donning a fez or two... A few designers were asked to style a table - and along with the likes of Brianna and Keith from Space Furniture, Megan Morton, Marco Meneguzzi, Jason Grant, Cameron Kimber, Nellie Tilley, Susan Sheller from Cotton Love Home and David from Orson and Blake - I was there too! I loved designing my table - and spent weeks creating napkins by hand and working with potter Lucy Vanstone for a lovely collection of side plates in my Free Range by Shannon Fricke colours. My table was Morocco via Byron Bay - light, airy and relaxed... It was a hoot of a night - although I have to say that I'm happy to be home, back to the beauty of Byron Bay beaches on a Sunday morning! Here are some pics for your enjoyment!

Before I go, I'm going to announce the winner of the gorgeous Castle pillowcases! Drum Roll everyone.... Congratulations Dragonfly Lifestyle!!! You're the winner... Send us an email with all of your details and we'll send out this divine prize to you....

New Giveaway courtesy of Castle...

I know how much you have all been loving the giveaways, that's why we've teamed up with the lovely Rachel from Castle to present you with a chance to win an amazing set of cushion covers to beautify your bedroom  including:

2x Hotel grade 5 star, 100% cotton, 280 thread count hand printed standard Grey Spot pillowcases worth $39 each.

 2x Absolutely luscious fine grade white velvet pillowcases worth $49 each.

Castle was founded in 2008 by Rachel Castle with a small range of bedlinen made for friends and family. Considerable interest ensured Castle quickly became a commercial venture. The brand represents a love of beautiful, often handcrafted or handprinted, pieces for the home.

All you have to do to be a potential winner is sign up as a follower of my blog. Or, if you are already a follower (thank you) simply click on 'like' on the facebook page to go into the draw. Make sure you leave us a note on our facebook page if you have suggested to your friends and you will receive an extra entry into the draw to win this fantastic prize.

Have a happy week and we will be announcing the winner this Friday 22nd October, best of luck!

Happy Weekend And Have You Met Miss Jones Winner...

Aaaah - thank goodness for the weekend! It's been one of those crazy weeks everybody - and it's lovely to finally be at the end of it... To take you into the weekend - I thought I'd post a colourful pic... And this one is as colourful as can be...

I am very excited to announce the winner of the Have You Met Miss Jones bunny tealight - although I do wish that I could keep this one for myself! And the winner is.... drum roll - Little Miss Doily.  Congrats Little Miss Doily - please send us an email at email@shannonfricke.com to collect your prize...

What Lies Beyond the Green Door...

What life goes on beyond the green door do you think? Is it filled with majesty? Joy? Glamour? Drama?

pic from Murobond

Have You Met Miss Jones Giveaway Monday....

We have yet another amazing giveaway this week, courtesy of the wonderful team at Have You Met Miss Jones.

Have you met Miss Jones is a lifestyle company dedicated to providing contemporary designs for the interior. Originally specializing in white bone china Have you met Miss Jones has expanded to include clay pottery, capiz shell, metal and woodwork. They are just the cutest, quirkiest pieces around - and I'm just completely in love with them...

Have Your Met Miss Jones have kindly offered this gorgeous bone china Rabbit Tealight holder, valued at $42. (How cute is it!)

If you don't win the rabbit tealight, order one online with miss jones within 1 month and receive a free Small Cherry Tray (capiz) Just mention this blog in the shipping field of the order form (Check out more of their beautiful products here)

To go into the draw to win this fabulous prize, just become a follower on the blog. Or, if you're already a follower - then click on 'like' on the facebook page to go into the draw. And if you'd like to suggest to your facebook friends - then leave a comment on our facebook page and you'll go into the draw too...

The prize will be drawn this Friday 15th October, Good Luck Y'all!

Are You Bored Yet?....

Of blue and white interiors tinged with timber and all things natural? Oh, I hope not! Because these interiors really do fill my soul with joy... Why is it I ask? Could it be the serenity of the colour palette? The simplicity of the room arrangements? The back to nature ambience of spaces such as these? Whatever the reason, you know well that I can't get enough of interiors like these... (found here) Relax, I say, and enjoy the beauty of it all... Happy Sunday!

p.s raining like crazy up here at the farm right now - oh, the pool, it's full of water all right - but NOT the aqua blue kind!

Creative Souls

We are incredibly fortunate in this part of the world to be surrounded by some very talented and creative souls.  Maureen McLean is one of these people.  She lives in Federal, a pocket of paradise just inland from Byron Bay, with her husband Stephen and her miniature poodle, Billy.  Maureen sources and refurbishes preloved furniture and antiques.  Her business, Boheme Decor operates out of one of my most favourite stores of all, Lazybones in Bangalow. And despite her full days, she recently welcomed us into her home to have a peek at her treasures and to chat about her life.

How long have you lived in this area and how has your life changed since moving here?

We moved to the area 10 years ago.  Life is very different here.  In Sydney I always worked for someone else.  Here, I wanted to do something creative.  Something that was mine… that I loved doing.  

How have you changed the house?

We didn’t change the house a great deal.  We bought it in Queensland, had it brought down on a truck in 3 pieces and put it back together.  When we saw it we climbed up into it with a ladder.  We wanted 11ft ceilings, verandahs and French doors.  This house was simple but we could see the potential.

We re-roofed it.  Put on new verandas and dropped the eaves.  Ripped out the old kitchen and bathroom.  It’s a hundred year old Colonial house.  We did a lot of the work ourselves.  We painted the entire place – inside with Antique USA and outside – Rosette.  Stephen needed a bit of convincing about the pink but he loves it now.  We loved doing it.  But we didn’t realize the magnitude of the job.  We were thrilled with the adventure. 

What advice would you give people thinking about making a big change or taking on such a project?

I would consider doing it again.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  But you have to have time.  You can’t be rushed.  And there was only the 2 of us.  We lived out of one bedroom

What/who are your influences?

I love the coming together of 2 styles – the period of the English in India.  The French in Vietnam.  I love the tradition mixed with the tropics.  I’m inspired by the 19^thCentury – Deco, Rococo mixed with the rustic, tropical combination.

What were you hoping to achieve with the decorating?

I think a rustic elegance.  I think the Asian, rustic feel takes the edge off the traditional. 

I wanted it to be relaxing, comfortable.  People enjoy being here  When there are beautiful pieces around – vases, lightfittings… it makes people stop and relax.  It’s a very relaxed lifestyle here.

What is your favourite room/area in the house?

We do spend a lot of time on the verandah.

What does a typical day hold for you?

I spend a lot of time shopping for pieces.  I fly to auctions in Sydney.  I used to drive the truck down and bring it all back myself.   Not any more.  

You live in paradise.  Where do you go when you need a break?

Recently we went fishing in Bermagui.  We had a great time.  Last yr we went around                      Tasmania. 

Where is your favourite place to shop?

 I absolutely adore country antiques in Newrybar.  And I love Strangetrader in Byron.

And the winner is..............

While we're on the topic of beautiful things, the winner of the Las Ninas Textiles oilcloth is.....

Polka Dot Bandit.   If you can send your address details to us at email@shannonfricke.com we'll pop it in the post.  Congratulations!

OPEN... Free Range Blog Shopping...

Check out our beautiful range of bits and bobs that are available for sale on the blog...
Free Shipping on all orders over $50 and a complimentary Shannon Fricke Home Apothecary Soya Wax Candle (valued at $30) on all orders over $100 (Australia Only....)

Call us on 02-66872184 or email here to place your order for Christmas....


p.s and don't forget to check if you're the winner of the Las Ninas Textile Table Top Cloth tomorrow...

Second Hand Rose...

I do love a room decorated all in white - white walls, white floors, white accoutrements! They are just so fresh and so alive...
This beautiful space in Brunswick Heads is just the kind of space I love - can't you just imagine whiling a few hours away in here with a cup of peppermint tea and a piece of cake? Well, you can! This beautiful space (above Second Hand Rose - the cutest antique store) is avail for holiday rentals. Although it's only up the road from me - I think a mini-break in Bruns could be in order...

Creative Spaces.... Victoria Spring

I'm forever in awe of creative people and the spaces they shape to inspire and support them...
I'm particularly inspired by layered spaces - those that are full of surprises at every glance - where beauty is piled high - inducing that kind of 'kid in a candy store' sort of feeling...
This creative space belongs to fashionable icon Victoria Spring - a treasure trove of beautiful bits and pieces that reflect a life full of living...
I love that Victoria is opening up her space (situated in lovely and luscious Mullumbimby) to us - and you - as the place where she is holding jewelry making workshops during the school holidays and beyond... What a treat to be creatively guided by such a colourful spirit...
If you're interested in learning about the art of jewels from a master then book into a workshop. You can contact Victoria on 0402 836634 for all of the details.

Las Ninas Textiles Giveaway...

It's giveaway Saturday! yay...
I'm very excited to be posting another giveaway - we've had just such great booty after all... Today's giveaway is no exception...
A very big thank you to Las Ninas Textiles in Byron Bay for today's offering... Las Ninas is filled to the brim with colourful and purely divine bits and bobs sourced in Mexico by Zara the owner. Zara heads over to Mexico a couple of times a year and scours the marketplaces for her beautiful Mexican pieces... It's lovely see Mexican colour and patterning making its way back into the home again... If you're in Byron Bay then check out Las Ninas (located in The Byron Industrial Estate)...


Okay, now to today's giveaway.... This beautiful oilcloth table cover is 2x1.2 metres - and is valued at $45... Doesn't it just look fab here on The Little Cottage verandah (we've doubled it over for the photo, it's actually much bigger). 


If you'd like a chance to win this gorgeous prize then become a follower on the blog. Or, if you're already a follower - then click on 'like' on the facebook page to go into the draw. The winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday 6th October...


good luck everyone...

ISCD Talks...

Thought I'd post a very belated pic of myself with a couple of the speakers at the ISCD Behind Design talks... Here I am sitting with the lovely Sarah Estens from Frost Design and stylist Jason Grant... We had a lovely time time speaking with about 250 ISCD friends and students about design and all things creative...

Fabric Heaven...

One of the most exciting and downright fun aspects of being a decorator is playing with fabric... I feel like a kid in a candy store when out and about on the hunt for new and exciting fabrics - there are just so many to choose from... One of the issues that pops up the most amongst participants in my workshops - is the fear of the fabric showroom! It can be an overwhelming experience stepping foot inside one and many keen home decorators have been put off by the thought of it... We were so lucky at our last workshop to have Emma Stewart from Mokum Textiles speaking about how to handle the fabric showroom - from what to arm yourself with before you arrive, what to do when you get there, asking for sampling and getting advice from the showroom operators... It was such an inspiring talk and our workshop participants came away with a more confident view of the world of fabrics...
Nicky and I were up in Brizzy a day ago on the hunt for fabrics for a client - as you can see from the pics (taken at Inhouse Agencies who represent some of my favourites - Thibaut, Andrew Martin, Westbury, Unique) - I'm up to my armpits in beauty!!!

Now... News is in - that the workshop dates and details for 2011 are up on the website for you to check out... I'm so excited about our workshop series for next year - as we will be adding 'Just Colour' and 'Styling 101' to our line up - plus we've introduced a brand new seminar called 'Follow Your Heart Creative Living' - a day-long exploration into how to live a creatively fulfilling life... Here's the link if you're interested in checking it all out...

sx