Saffrons Blog

I'm a fabric designer, mum and creative crafty person. A blog about fabrics, projects, ideas and things that inspire me.

David Jones Spring windows are beautiful this year

Saffron Craig - Friday, September 09, 2011

Yesterday NSW teachers had an industrial dispute, I thought I would take Sequoia in to see the action, we recognized teachers while we were sitting on the Ferry, then saw them on the street. I would love to see schools improve, a designated art/craft room for a start, a music room and I would love to see schools with gardens, all of which were part of my education in the 80's.

The funding just isn't there. It's sad! School is not as fun as I remember it. I sit in the class room weekly to help the teacher who is awesome but I can't help wonder how school became so uninspiring. I leave my daughter in tears, while I used to skip with joy to school. Funding would surely help?

As a surprise I wanted to show her the David Jones Spring flowers in the windows and on the ground floor. She loved them and wandered through the huge bouquets with utter joy.  Saying "come on Mum look at this, this is amazing"! And it was.

 

 


I just loved this bunch. The colours are just my colours.

These are the loveliest Banksias, they were in the windows so you can sort of see a bit of me reflected. There were so many people gazing it was hard to get a moment with this bunch.

 

Have you seen the Spring Flowers? Do you have an Art or Music room in your school?



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4 comments
Cass Ward commented on 09-Sep-2011 09:32 PM
We are lucky at our school the kids do music once a week with s dedicated music teacher. They do lots of art in the classes. They also have band from year 3. Schools definitely need more funding though
Frockfarie commented on 10-Sep-2011 10:23 AM
My daughter has just moved schools and is now going to a P-12 school so we are lucky it has all the facilities that you see in a secondary school but they are available to the primary students as well. Music rooms, art studios, theatre, kitchen gardens,
everything you could want. She does dancing, cooking, gardening, violin, class Orchestra, Chinese, movement program, craft and then all the regular stuff. We have to travel across town (about 20 - 30mins) for her to go there but it is so worth it. While I
think funding is part of the problem a big part of the problem is this push to 'get results' rather than creating a love and wonder for learning. If teachers have to make their students perform well on national test then the more inspiring part of teaching
and learning takes a back seat. In Victoria the government has just cut funding for VCAL in secondary schools which will see the less academic students either struggling in VCE or leaving school all together. I think the only way things will change is if parents
start speaking up and demanding change. I am so lucky that my daughter is getting the education she is and that she has a wonderful inspiring teacher.
Rhonda Galloway commented on 10-Sep-2011 07:46 PM
My Grand-daughters school has a garden, they have flowers and grow vegies for the Canteen and the students all get to help out in the area - it is really lovely to see. Old cutlery is strung across the garden to keep the birds at bay and I have yet to
find out how they keep the possums out during the night.
Kirstin Bokor commented on 13-Sep-2011 12:56 PM
Oh Rhonda, if you find the possum answer let me know. Great pictures Saffron, and you are so spot on about education - every child deserves to access fair, excellent and inspiring education. An education system that prioritises the wealthy at the expense
of everyone else can change a society in just one generation. What a frightening thought. Anyway, what a great thing to do with your daughter, I feel like popping out now myself.

Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap

Saffron Craig - Thursday, September 08, 2011

This is the fabric post card I sent off to Scotland before I went to Bali. It's such fun to be part of a swap. The topic was bloom and to me what blooms nicer than a flower?

These little projects are so much fun. The designing, the creative process, then the making, which was time well spent in front of telly. I actually made a couple of postcards. I thought this was the nicest one.

Then I start to wonder who will receive it, will they like it? 

So it's always nice to receive an email letting me know it flew right to her door. Yep, Catherine from Scotland received her postcard and this is what she had to say. All good really. So cool it went to Scotland as I have quite a bit of Scottish heritage.

I am still waiting for mine to arrive. Last year's card was amazing. I will promise to show you.

Thanks to Beth, from Do what you want for life, who organised the swap. Go here to check out some some great courses she has starting up.

 



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1 comments
Beth Nicholls commented on 09-Sep-2011 08:38 PM
What a gorgeous postcard! Thanks so much for joining in Saffron - glad you had fun! Beth

Owl in Trees are now back in stock

Saffron Craig - Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Due to popular demand our Owls have been reprinted. Which is a huge compliment as this design is now in its 4th year. Never thought that when I first drew my little Hooties.

Owls in Trees

I also put together a great bundle of red Owls. Quite christmassy me thinks.



The lovely Day Owls are back as well.






It was like seeing an old friend. I could not wait to make something with them so I have started a new quilt. But more about that later...

Hoot. Hoot.
»This way to the forest...(where you can buy them)





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Happy Father's day all. Hand made present

Saffron Craig - Sunday, September 04, 2011
Patrick drew this awesome drawing of two birds, one a falcon the other a cockatoo, a few weeks ago. I said it would look neat on a t-shirt.



He agreed, got it printed and has not taken it off.

Just gotta make one for my Dad now. It will be a late Father's Day present.


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2 comments
Kirstin Bokor commented on 04-Sep-2011 04:49 PM
It looks great, please tell Patrick he did a brilliant illustration. Patrick will have to visit us and draw the birds we have - hmm, flaw is though that he will be off drawing and not talking. Oh well, you and I can talk. Thinking about Sequoia I almost
feel the tshirt should say "I saw you". Patrick is such a beautiful dad - I hope he got the day he certainly deserves.
Roslyn Henley commented on 05-Sep-2011 01:05 PM
Wow what a stunning drawing. Looks perfect on a tshirt. Perhaps this could be a new line in your online shop.

Bali Holiday

Saffron Craig - Friday, September 02, 2011
I've just come back from a holiday in Bali, it was all about relaxing.



Relaxing and swimming and learning about the Balinese culture.



And eating good food.


And spending quality time with my sister and her family.

I am back now though oddly I still feel like I am there.


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1 comments
Siobhan Rogers commented on 03-Sep-2011 08:12 PM
jealous !

Wordless Wednesday - Ironing on Manly Corso

Saffron Craig - Wednesday, August 31, 2011


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Funky Girls ironing plastic bags into art bunting

Saffron Craig - Tuesday, August 30, 2011
This is what I am doing on Wednesday. Helping out my friend Angela who needs support to raise awareness about the Conference of Eco Ideas and the upcoming Manly Arts Festival!



Funky Girls ironing plastic bags into ART BUNTING at the Manly Corso - 31 August 10 -11 am - at John Speight Stage.

If you feel funky come along and bring Ironing board & Iron. It's only an hour. 


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Sunday Sounds - Gotye

Saffron Craig - Sunday, August 28, 2011
I find music incredibly inspiring no matter what I do. Designing, dreaming, stitching or cleaning the house. And sometimes one song or artist really hits a chord (pun intended), locks itself into my brain and I can't stop humming that tune, you know the feeling.

Gotye's new song "Somebody that I used to know" and album has been one of those experiences lately. Just love it. And he's such a quirky, original and amazingly creative character. So if you'd like to support some great Australian talent then here it is:



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1 comments
Maureen Haycock commented on 29-Aug-2011 08:00 PM
Great song!!! Loooovvvve the film clip. Colouring-in never stops being fun even as an adult!! Thanks for posting the song Saffron!

Friday Finds: Roslyn Henry

Saffron Craig - Friday, August 26, 2011
Today's find is Roslyn. She's been a very loyal customer of mine for quite a while now and it's great to find out more about her background and what she loves abut my my fabrics!

Roslyn writes:

"Creativity is an important part of my life and keeps me sane.  For the past 10 years I had a very small children's clothing and accessory label called beinzstalk.  Originally I started it up while in Sydney and regularly did markets particularly in Canberra.  After 8 years I moved back to NZ and continued on there selling online and at markets.  A year ago we moved again this time to Singapore.  A decision was made to only bring a minimum of stuff and to discontinue beinzstalk in this unknown environment.  For a short time I didn't go anything creative but I soon found that I HAD too.  For the first time in a long time I now have time to sew what I want to even if it is back on a domestic sewing machine.



This has given me the opportunity to finally get round to using some of Saffron's fabric as I have been admiring them for years.  They are even more exciting to actually work with and it is easy to become attached to them.  I love colourful, vibrant, fresh and modern fabrics and Saffron's fabrics are all of these.

Despite sewing for years I had never quilted.  Being inspired by Saffron, Kate Conklin and Chasing Cottons using larger pieces of fabric so that you could actually see the pattern on the fabric and have a mod feel I set about making these quilts.  I enjoyed the freedom of not using a pattern but rather doing what took my fancy at the time.  The key thing I learnt was that you must be very accurate (in cutting and sewing) to get a good result.

Roslyn Fairy Quilt

Not satisfied with a plain back I made a 2nd quilt for each back so that it is reversible.

Whilst being involved with fundraising for earthquake victims in Christchurch I made a set of cushion covers to be auctioned.  These used the fields range.

Cushions from Saffron Craig Parrot fabric

I'm really fond of Saffron's fabrics and it is probably a good thing I don't live in Sydney at the moment or there would be no excuse to buy rolls.  I'm looking forward to the new ranges that are coming.  One day I hope you meet you face to face."

So do I! Thanks Roslyn for sharing.

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2 comments
Rachael commented on 27-Aug-2011 07:00 AM
Roslyn's quilts are beautiful!! I love those simple, bold designs!!
Nicki commented on 28-Aug-2011 07:04 AM
Absolutely LOVE the quilts Roslyn you did an amazing job!!!! Roslyn has inspired me over the time I have known her and she introduced me to Saffron Craig Fabrics. So great to see some of your hardwork & creativity showcased and a little tribute to you
<3

Wordless Wednesday — Bunny Girl Illustration

Saffron Craig - Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Saffron Craig Bunny Girl


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2 comments
Rachael commented on 27-Aug-2011 06:57 AM
I love Bunny Girl!!!
Rebecca Eckersley commented on 27-Aug-2011 12:05 PM
Love her, can't wait to see if she turns into fabric


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