Where Are They Now...

Hello everyone,
I'm back from my whirlwind trip to NYC and have spent the week, head down, bum up, so to speak, catching up on all that needs doing before the holidays...


And as we slide into Christmas - I thought I'd squeeze in one last, Where Are They Now - because I do so love to hear about what my past workshoppers are up to... This is Lyndel Miller (who attended a styling workshop in 2011) and this will be a real treat, particularly for those of you who are interested in a career as a stylist. Lyndel's journey is such an inspiring one as 2011 saw her dream of becoming a stylist turn into a reality... It goes to show that you can make your dreams happen - even if you don't live in a major city like Sydney or Melbourne (Lyndel lives in the Gold Coast) Anyway, I let you read her story for yourselves.... I hope you enjoy....

'I have never made a New Years resolution but on New Years Day 2011 I said to my sister I think I would make a good stylist.  I had been reading some great books, and researched courses, including Shannon's fabulous workshops , and decided it was time to throw myself wholeheartedly into this idea , and started enrolling and researching. I love research! and I started studying.

I committed to 2 courses and 2 workshops I thought had the most to offer. ISCD, Australian College of Professional Styling, Food Styling and Shannon's Styling 101. I was hooked ! and I knew from the very beginning that this was for me. 

I had such a varied background, but all of what I had learn't / experienced in the past graced me with tools to carry me through on this next adventure.

I sped through studies ( didn't seem like work ) and before I had  finished Skye Craig for Masterchef (Series 2) had offered me the job of styling her upcoming campaign for the launch of her gourmet ice- cream and dessert range. 

She liked my aesthetic , we had worked together in the past on an advertising campaign, where Skye was our Graphic Artist. 

I was so excited! This was my big break, as they say.

Of course, I said yes! 

I styled the shoots on all levels,wardrobe. prop and food ( ice cream) and assisted in production also.

I worked alongside photographer Armelle Habib, which was a great pleasure and I felt right at home.

After this, I joined with photographer Mindi Cooke, who was working for Frankie Magazine and we did some commercial, interior and food shoots. A mixture of paid work and portfolio shoots. (Finding an amazing photographer to work with is paramount ! especially when you are building a portfolio as I was and continue to do) Mindi was a gift from the heavens! Love you Mind!

A few months had past and Skye was in contact again with me and asked if I would be interested in styling her upcoming dessert book and then lead to an offer to co - author..I threw myself again wholeheartedly into the book, styling on all levels. Some said it was way too much to pull off. I was determined and energised by the whole process.Working with Skye , a talented art director and kindred spirit was fantastic!  I was living my dream! ( and still am )  

I love my work, I love all it's facets, and I particularly love food. I have a background in hospitality, natural medicine and design..all of which has bought me to this place now where I feel I am mean't to be. I found myself, finally.  

My style is eclectic, emotive and original.. I work from the heart. 

I spend my days researching, fossicking, sourcing props ( love this! ) developing recipes I hope to published, perhaps in magazines ( always aiming high! )  and search for avenues that may require my services. I have a facebook page too which I think has been really helpful also. ( never thought I would think that ! ) 

I am open to travel and have accommodation in Sydney and Melbourne( though I haven't need to do this yet )  and if I was to offer any advice to others wanting to do same, I would say " trust in yourself, it is never to late, and you can make anything happen, stop saying and start doing" No excuses! Stay tuned..a book in the making for May next year :)) and if I don't say so myself , it is exquisite! 

Thanks Shannon , you are an inspiration and such a great support. Love who you are, love your work! 

Wow Lyndel, what an adventure... What I love about Lyndel's story is that she just goes for it! She's always on the lookout for opportunities and grabs them when they come along which is so important in the world of styling; as in life... As you look your opportunities in the eye, and then do the best you can to rise to the opportunity - well, this is where the growth comes and this is where we evolve as professionals and as people. Thank you Lyndel for your inspirational story.

2011 has been a lovely year for our workshops. We introduced our Styling 101 workshop - which was great fun as we got out of our chairs, and into the studio, working with props to create small vignettes... Plus we continued with our wonderful How To Decorate and Just Colour Workshops. I've met so many inspiring women through the workshops - there's something magical about a group of women around a table - listening, talking and creating together. Thank you to everyone who has attended a workshop - it has been such a pleasure to spend time with you. 2012 will be an exciting year as we continue with our workshop series. I'll be taking them on the road (to NYC!) early in the year - as well as hosting you in my hometown of Bangalow with some special workshops at the farm! Our new look website will be up and running early 2012 (along with the launch of some very exciting projects) - I'll let you know of details as they come to hand... Happy Styling all...

AWOL in NYC...

Sorry for being soooo slow to post all - I'm in NYC - land of Christmas lights and Santa Claus - on a last minute, pre Christmas get together with some friends here... I think out of all of my times visiting NYC - Christmas has to be my very very favourite... NYC really knows how to put on a show... My old haunt ABC Carpet and HOme always puts on a really beautiful display - at any time of the year - and I seem to spend hours roaming around what is like an Aladdin's Cave... I particularly love their little vases filled with colourful blooms that were hiding out the back waiting to make their way into the displays on the floor. This is such a quick trip - only 7 days - and all systems go go go... There's no go slow in NYC after all... I thought you might like to see some snaps from my trip so far - on the iphone - so the quality is a little dodgy... But nonetheless, a lovely reminder of what goes down...

Farmers Market Morning...

There's something about hanging out in a farmers market that makes one feel warm and fuzzy inside, don't you find? Well, this morning - that's exactly how I'm feeling after my expedition to the Bangalow Farmer's Market - held every Saturday behind the pub (if you're visiting...) where I bought these lovely tomatoes from the Coopers Shoot tomato clan (aren't they heavenly...) Living on a farm - I know how much work goes into such things - it takes a lot of toil, commitment and love to grow anything particularly the food that we eat - beautiful, healthy, non-toxic, taste good food... We are so lucky to have many committed growers living around the environs of Byron Bay... These growers grow fresh, bountiful, organic produce - good, beautiful food. Let's face it - there's not much in the way of $$ if you're a grower - and so the love of growing is the real motivation for many of these producers. It's a tough, non-glamorous life - and so every time I visit the market I tip my hat to these people who have made the commitment to grow... And every time I prepare farmers market produce, I think of them, with a smile... I was concerned when I recently heard that the life of the farmers market is under threat by way of new legislation that is creeping through - effectively allowing large supermarket chains and similar to sell their wares in a farmers market environment... Whilst I'm all for choice - I think it's such a shame that the sacred ground of the farmers market could soon be monopolized by super-sized suppliers... How will our much loved smaller producers survive, I ask? We have so little control over much of what goes on in our day to day lives these days - to know that the food that we eat has come from the farm to our tables - with little traveling time in between - is simply one of the most joyous aspects of living... I would go so far as to say that it's our right as human beings to have a clear idea as to where the food we eat has come from... At its core, the farmers market environment provides us with some kind of faith in the food chain. What a shame it would be if we lost this to big business too... Please remember to support your local farmers market if you have one near by - every bite you take will be worth the effort you've made to get there... And in the process you will be allowing smaller producers to continue to survive on the land... Happy Weekend all....

Bill Me...

I'm loving the look of the exterior of Bill Granger's new restaurant digs in Notting Hill, London called Granger and Co... Great to see a little sunny yellow has made it's way into the palette - an uplifting sight in an otherwise grey landscape... Congrats Bill - can't wait to get into your ricotta hotcakes - London style...

NYC Dreaming...

I'm so excited to fitting a quick trip to NYC in before Christmas this year - I have so many excuses to get over there these days - so many friends to visit - so many shows to see - so much shopping to be done... Cross fingers that we'll have a little pre-Chrissie snow to get us in the festive mood. Along with all of this, I'm over the moon to be catching one of Deepak Chopra's talks at the Deepak Chopra HomeBase in ABC Carpet & Home - five or more storeys of eye candy for the home... It's was a last minute grab for a seat at these ever so popular events - which sell out within minutes... But I managed to secure my place and am very excited to be there as he'll be chatting with Goldie Hawn...
Here are some pics of ABC Carpet and Home and the man himself (in the HomeBase - isn't it gorgeous!) - I'll let you know what words of wisdom he imparts - it's sure to be an insightful evening...

pics abc home

Where Are They Now...

Hi Everyone,

On this lovely sunny Friday, it's so much fun to be catching up with Shannon Fricke Workshoppers past and present... Today's post is about Anna Critchley - a vibrant, energetic member of our workshop club... Here's what Anna has to say about what she's been up to since attending a workshop a year ago...

'Since coming to visit you at the Little Cottage Nov 2010 I have plucked up the courage and enrolled in an Interior Design Diploma through distance education at the CATC in Sydney.

And I LOOOOVE it! I must admit it is challenging studying with a young family and life to run, but working on assignments that I am excited to research is an  amazing feeling. The hardest part is letting go and just doing them without over thinking. That is the hard part about designing , the constant little voice in your head that asks “Is this good enough?” or “Will other people like this as much as I do?”.

The best part is that the course challenges me to think more, read more and act more......and I remember you saying on that day in Nov last year.....”Just start doing it!”'

Wow Anna - I'm just so proud of you... Yes, designing is a journey - and yes, it is difficult to juggle life with a family and your inner most passions... But, well worth the effort I say, because the satisfaction is just too great to ignore... Congratulations Anna. I look forward to seeing how your creative journey continues to unfold...

Aren't you just so inspired all? And so with this... Have a lovely weekend. Enjoy the days... And we'll meet here again next week... Don't forget to send in your stories post Workshop all... We love to hear what you've all been up to...

sx

Styling Tip No. 1....

First step when styling a photo shoot is - to call in all of your props... Lay them out all over the place.... Then drool...
Ah, yes, I do love these days when props begin to arrive at the studio for the latest photo shoot... It's an opportunity to see what's out there, to be creative - and to make some serious mess! This is The Little Cottage on these days of experimentation... The days when we see how things go together, when we make decisions on what goes with what and where... When we put our imagination to work and play, play, play... It's loads of fun - the mess before the order... Because, of course, once on set - everything has to be spick and span and in it's place... No mucking around! But today - well that's another story...

Be Certain Of Uncertainty...

If there's one thing that I've learnt about life in the 42 years that I've been on this planet is that there is no certainty... In fact, I'm certain of it!  As much as we may try to create a solidity or a structure around our lives, as much as we develop routines, rely on patterns of behaviour, on schedules, on systems - at the end of the day, these things are just not certainty-proof... Most of us are seeking a kind of certainty, don't you find... We strive for a certain world because we fear the unknown... We fear losing control... Even, in the world of aesthetics - we are striving for a certain outcome... We create plans, models, schemes - to ensure a kind of certainty in our work... But in reality, no outcome is ever truly certain... And why would you want it to be I wonder... For the uncertain outcome is often the most exciting... We spend a lot of time in the workshops at The Little Cottage looking at the idea of uncertainty in creativity and design... I find that most women who come along to the studio are looking for a kind of certainty - they're hoping to find the skills they need to decorate in a way that dazzles... And while decorating is about accruing and testing skills - it's just as much about being aware of and then embracing uncertainty... Speak to most creative luminaries and they bring with them the same story - the story of finding peace in the face of uncertainty... In the face of the unknown outcome... As creatives, we need not to fear uncertainty but to embrace it... It is in this uncertain space that the most dazzling beauty lies... If you can bring yourself to let go - to free fall (metaphorically speaking) - then you find trust... You find trust in yourself... In your work... In your life... And when you trust yourself in this way - then you can tap into the beauty within at any time... And that, I believe, is the one thing that is, for certain...

p.s if you're a Shannon Fricke WorkShoppper - recent or past - then send me a line and let me know what you're up to... I'm planning some more 'Where Are They Now' posts and would love to hear your story to include in a post... With pics too... send them to my email HERE

pic from taverne

I Love Lellow...

I remember the day that I fell head over heels for Lellow - um, I mean Yellow... It was the day that my son Joe first said the word. He was only a wee thing back then - and his attempts at saying the word - but replacing the Y with an L - were just too cute to ignore... Consequently, I've been in love ever since - with Joe, of course, but also with the colour... It's crazy to imagine that I could ever love yellow... My mother has been a huge fan of it for years - trying to entice me to it too.... But my heart just couldn't stomach it... That is, until it became Lellow - now I simply can't get enough... I've even used it in clients houses - sparingly to begin - but with greater gusto as I grew in confidence. I even have bits of it at home... And a big dollop of it in the studio... Whether it's a bowl of lemons in the kitchen, or a wattle yellow in a fabric - I do love Yellow - um, I mean Lellow! Now I'm confused!!!

pic from Anthology Magazine

Rummaging...

My first stop when I'm propping for a photo shoot is always my old shed... There are many things living in the shed - old cushions, fabrics, some furniture, interiors bits and bobs - and I'm sure a snake or two! Most things are tucked away in plastic bins - to protect them from the dust and dirt - and when I have a shoot on the way, I rifle through the bins with the hope of finding something that I'd forgotten about... Today, I found a bin that was tucked away behind all of the others - and boy oh boy, did I find a few old treasures in there... One of which, was this old table cloth... My aunt gave me this table cloth many moons ago now. I just love the colour of it - and you just don't find lace work quite like this, these days... I was so excited about the discovery that I just had to drape it over a chair so that I could catch a glimpse of it every time I walked by! Crazy non! Already I'm beginning to plan the Christmas table around it... Can't you see it?
I've also been having fun with some beautiful petunias that are growing like weeds in the garden... I've taken to stuffing them in old glass bottles - roots and all - and dotting them around the house. They last for days... And look oh, so pretty.
And on this note - I hope you all have a lovely weekend... Perhaps a little rummaging will spring forth at yours over the next couple of days.... Be sure to let us in on what you find... Happy days...

Like A Flowering Stone...

It's just possible that I was married to a stone mason in a past life... That could explain why I love stonework so... These are the stone steps that Joni our stonemason has just completed... Every time I catch a glimpse my heart does skip a beat... Oh, and I had to share a little of my new garden beds with snapdragons and other pretty plants  -and potager replete with beans, tomatoes, zucchini... I'm so proud of my little garden... Could there be anything more fulfilling that popping a seedling in the ground and watching it grow? Ah, everytime there's a new shoot, I think I've died and gone to heaven! Do you have a potager at home? What are you growing that you love...

What Goes On Behind The Blue Gate...

Well, I'll leave that for you to ponder over the weekend...
I love this pic that Nicky from NV New Vintage sent through yesterday... Bring on the stone walling and archways I say... Such incredible beauty...
Happy days all....

Where Are They Now...

Hello all,

I hope you had a lovely, and messy weekend (!) and managed to kick off your shoes and enjoy the days... Hubby and I had a day to ourselves which is a rarity up here at the farm - and so we spent it hanging around the pool enjoying the sunshine and the rolling green hills trying to ignore the overgrown garden!

I thought I'd share a little inspiration with you today... I received a lovely email from Vanessa Kidwell last week. Vanessa attended my very first How To Decorate Workshop up here at The Little Cottage in Bangalow last year with the aim of - not only having a hoot of a time - but also exploring a more creative life. Perhaps, eventually, Vanessa thought she may open her very own store filled with gorgeous homely goodies and the workshop was, kind of, a first step for her... Like so many of us know - wanting to do something brave and actually making it happen are two completely different things. Putting your creative self out there for the world to see and taking the creative leap is daunting... Well, I'm very excited and proud to say that Vanessa has done it - creating her own store called livedincoogee in the seaside Sydney suburb of Coogee... Of course, I love that Vanessa found the workshop gave her just the kickstart that she needed to take her leap of faith - now she is actually doing something that she's been dreaming of doing for years... I just love stories like these ones because - at the end of the day helping people connect with their creative self is what the workshops are all about... 

Here's some pics of Vanessa's beautiful store for you to check out - I love the tiled exterior and the old floorboards Vanessa (not to mention your lovely homewares) - and you can go to her online store as well, to check out her goodies...

Congratulations Vanessa and thank you for sending me your lovely email... It's made my week...

sx

Make Mine... Imperfection....

Oh, I'm so sick of perfection.... aren't you? We've had years of it, quite frankly and the stress of keeping up with it all really is doing my head in! Oh, for the joy of a lived in house... Newspapers piled up on the floor, tele on, a kitchen that gets some use, a bathroom with accoutrements at your fingertips... I mean, at the end of the day, isn't that what a house is for? To live in? Not to sit in, back upright, knees in tight... Too scared to move for fear of ruffling the ruffles... Really all, don't you find that the art of decorating is meant to create a beautiful support system upon which we can live? I mean, really live... kick off your shoes, get the floor a little muddy and all that... Sometimes I think we have it all back to front? Why oh why would one decorate the house with a fear of enjoying the fruits of the decoration? Are we just so busy these days, that the art of making mess is seen as more work, rather than it be a reflection of a well lived life... Are we so bound up in the 9 to 5 - that we can't allow ourselves even a second to exhale? To make a cup of tea? To nibble on a bicky without worrying about the crumbs!
Oh please do forgive me all - I know it's Friday and all, and Fridays are for joy not for grumbles... But really... I've had enough... I'm marching as we speak... Placard raised... Loudspeaker on... Enjoy thy house is my message... Whatever shape in which it comes... Love it, tend it but most of all, be at peace in it... It is, after all, a temple within which to be you...
Happy Weekend all...
p.s I promise I'll be less grumpy next week!

pics from Country Living

The Old Tree...

Some days, I like to head out into the paddock up at the farm to check out the creeks and the old trees that dot around the place. It's such a peaceful interlude - just me, Isobel the Spoodle and nature. Next door to our farm is the old blueberry farm - and as I walk I get to peek at the blueberry trees  that are hidden under the gigantic nets that protect them from the flying wildlife that soars above... There are so many trees in our paddocks, however it's the old figs that really speak to me... They tell the stories of the land, of the comings and goings, of what came before... And they whisper the future as they sway in the breeze - their upstanding root system ensuring that they last the distance amongst the often wild and woolly elements of nature that we experience up here in the Hinterland... Do you have a tree that speaks the truth to you? One that guides you as you head along your journey? Well, if you don't then you can share mine... This old fig is graceful, a stalwart in the paddock, but with branches that are low enough for us to climb on board enabling us to share the stories of the wind... Listen closely... Can you hear them now?

Early Bird Special Last Days for Decorate In Style...

If you'd like a dose of creativity before the end of 2011, then come along to the Decorate in Style workshop here at the Little Cottage studio in Bangalow on Friday November 4th. We have an early special until Wednesday this week... Click on the link to the right for all of the details and to book... It's going to be a hoot of a day all - and what with the sun shining in Bangalow it's a great opportunity to stop, breathe and give yourself some time before the Christmas rush descends. See you in Bangalow on Friday 4th November. xxx

Memories...

Goodness all, where has the time gone... It's been busy busy busy this week as we build up to the end of 2011! Yes,  blink and you could have missed it... 2011 is quickly drawing to a close. However, as life is never dull in our neck of the woods, the next couple of months are sure to be jam packed with loads of fun things and the completion of some very dear projects... I've had a fortunate year this year, working with some amazing clients and putting together some lovely creative work (all to be revealed in 2012, roll on, roll on)... I'm always struck with a nostalgic tear as the year draws to a close - where I find myself thinking about the time that has passed and where good things began. Recently, I was rifling through some old bits and bobs when I came across these tear sheets (of myself and my daughter Inez... Joe in tummy!) in our old house in Camp Cove in Sydney. Inez was not even a year old back then (she's now nearly 13) and our little weatherboard home had just had a makeover and as it was gleaming with freshness, it ended up in the second issue of the newly created INside Out magazine. Remember this one all? Looking at these pictures of Inez reminded me of old times, where we've been and how far we've all come along our journey... I have to admit that I did shed a little tear when I found these pics... My, how quickly everybody grows... And so with that, a reminder to seize the day, enjoy every minute (even the frustrating ones!) and to go with the flow... As time will pass - exactly as it's meant to...
Happy Weekend all...
x

Happy Weekend All...

Every now and then, I check in with the gorgeous and inspiring India Hicks to see what she's been up to... She leads such an enviable lifestyle down there on Harbour Island in the Bahamas... One filled with the kind of life-balance that we could do with a little more of... I was fortunate enough, many many years ago now, to spend some time on Harbour Island (on a photo shoot for Dolly magazine!) - and I can see why India has fallen in love with the place... The sandy beaches cast the softest pink hue, the water is aqua at it's purest and the pace is quiet and every so slow...  It's lovely to be reminded to slow down the pace and whenever I check out pics of the Bahamas this is exactly how I feel, if but for a minute... Of course, living in pure heaven here myself, up in Byron Bay, I know that life in paradise isn't always lived at such a slow pace... There is much to be done... Cows to heard, vege patches to grow, grass to mow and visitors to entertain (summer is on it's way and with that an influx of friends and family!)... But nonetheless, even just a second of peace is a peaceful second gained... And so, thank you, dear India, for reminding me to stop and relish the peace... I hope this weekend, you get to spend some peaceful time... Even if it's but a second or two.... Happy Weekend...

pics from India Hicks site are of Savannah on Windemere Island - just a hop skip and a jump from Harbour...

Paris Les Touriste Style...

I was so inspired by the story on the lovely Carla Coulson in this months Inside Out magazine. Her apartment in the Marais district of Paris is just pure gorgeous and filled with great ideas for teeny tiny spaces and working with someone elses' wallpaper! Carla is the most talented photographer - and I had the great pleasure of meeting her during a trip to Paris with my family over Christmas last year. In fact, we spent the day as Carla took a series of black and white portraits of us in locations all over Paris... They are so beautiful and line the walls of my lounge room... Every one who drops by marvels at how moody and evocative they are... And, every time I look at them... I do think of Carla...
However, I do digress... One of the wonderful things about this article is that it profiles some of Carlas' favourite places in Paris - and a favourite is Les Touristes... Those of you who know Les Touristes will know it is a colourful treasure troves of all things homey.... A bright and cheerful retreat from the grey (but lovely!) streets of Paris... Uplifting, quirky, fun, amazing...
Thanks Carla for reminding me of Les Touristes.... I was momentarily whisked back to this beautiful city...