blog action day

I recently read about Blog Action Day - Poverty on Pia's blog.
I was pleased to see that one of the actions suggested was to help support microfinance organisation Kiva. I've spoken about this group before. If you haven't looked at it today is another great chance to read about the great work they are doing supplying microfinance in poorer areas.
You can sponsor someone, an adult, in their small business, help them buy materials and ultimately help them support themselves and their families. Even better the money is paid back and you can lend it again!
I love the synchronicity of using my business to support another person in growing their business. To make it even more personal I've chosen to finance women with children in the craft/retail/fashion field. Today I reinvested some of the returns on my first loan to help another person. Join me now!

Today thousands of bloggers will unite to discuss a single issue - poverty. We aim to raise awareness, initiate action and to shake the web!

papernstitch

I was really excited and flattered when Brittni from papernstitch blog asked me to participate in her exciting new venture, a monthly curated showcase of artists, designers and makers from around the world.
papernstitch.com launches today with a fantastic choice of over seventy shops.
What a wonderful way to discover new work from around the world. Her focus is mostly on fine art with some craft and sculpture.
The site, is beautifully and simply designed and easy to browse.
I'm sure you will recognise some of the wonderful artists represented, like Matte Stephens, Wolfie and the Sneak (don't you love the new Peer colouring book!), Nea (moustache cross stitch above) and Anna Ruby King amongst others.

There are also lots of new names to me, great discoveries like Royal Buffet with these exquisite mobiles and Gemma Correll with her many legged kitty cup above.


Oh and coincidentally mudpuppy are here too, with the little red terrarium mushrooms I bought the other day! Too cute.

vegie bed

I've been wanting to make a raised vegie bed down the side of our house for a while now. The flowers seem to have taken over out the back (whoops!) and the side of our house is north facing and gets wonderful full sun all day. It is just wide enough to fit in a large wooden planter and thats what I've had my heart set on.
A few months ago J milled some timber with a friend who has a mill. He's been wondering what to do with it because it was quite 'rustic'. So I was so pleased and surprised when I came out the other day and he'd made these beds.
Here they are filled up with soil. We did it last night in the sudden heat but today there is a light drizzle so hopefully it is seeping down in to the new soil. I have lettuce seeds I collected last year in a seedling tray, and high hopes!
To be continued...