DENIM JACKET DIY

August 01, 2014 | Written by Katie | Artwork by Katie

I recently embarked on a denim jacket adventure! I have always wanted a customised jacket and so over the holidays I took the plunge and made one.
The process itself was simple enough but it took a hell of a long time! All up I would say around eight hours. I have almost cut this time in half now, but seeing as it was my first one I definitely tip-toed a lot.

You'll need:

• Denim jacket (check out the one I used here).
• Jo Sonja's textile medium.
• White pencil
• Acrylic Paints

The first step is to get your ideas down! Make a general mock up of what you want your design to look like even if you don't know what colours you intend to use. I was pretty set on what I wanted (always with the skulls).

The next step is to translate this design onto your jacket. I used a white pencil so it was easy to rub out in case I made mistakes etc. I wanted to cover the majority of the jacket but it's up to you how big you want your design to be!

After all this I got painting! I used acrylic paint that I already had at home and added Jo Sonja's Textile Medium in order to make the design last. It ensures that the jacket can be washed/can get wet. In all honesty though I have just spot cleaned mine so far (it took too long that I'm paranoid I will ruin it).
This part of the process took me around 6-8 hours. However this includes coffee/food breaks and the fact that I was being very particular since it was my first time.

This is the finished product! I'm super happy with how it turned out, it was well worth the effort.

If you can't be bothered to DIY one for yourself get in touch with me and I can make you one! I am creating these on a custom made basis as they take too long to have stock on hand.

PAOM/LUNACANDY: SHARK ATTACK

July 10, 2014 | Written by Katie | Textile Design by Katie

I've been dabbling in textile design lately and so I have made one of my designs available for purchase at Print All Over Me! I have made the print, 'Shark Attack', available for purchase on a unisex t-shirt and a summer style flippy skirt. The t-shirt is 100% cotton and the skirt is 100% rayon!

Check them out and let me know what you think!

ART ADVENTURES

June 29, 2014 | Written by Katie | Artwork by Katie

Of Beast and Brow

Of late, as a result of my studies, I have been experimenting with my art using different digital mediums. I recently tried my luck at hand lettering, live tracing my original work and using different combinations of colour. Here are a few of things I have been working on.

Lyrics from 'Bullet' by Franz Ferdinand

Flutterfly Flattery V2

CRYSTAL CASTLE

June 09, 2014 | Written by Katie | Photos by Katie

The weekend just gone saw me take a quick getaway to gorgeous Byron Bay in New South Wales. A close friend of mine is soon off to explore the world, as a result we needed a few sangrias and a boogie to say goodbye.
On the Saturday morning, post a delicious breakfast at The Top Shop (Carlyle Street), we were on route to a fantasy retreat. The drive to Crystal Castle alone was beautiful enough, scenic and serendipitous. Crystal Castle is home to enchanting garden paths, exquisite natural crystals and an ancient labyrinth.
I thoroughly enjoyed the walk through the labyrinth (about 20 minutes), as its not often enough that I take time to be completely and utterly alone with my thoughts.
We enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon on a bench, just the three of us, overlooking the byron hinterland.
Once back in town we enjoyed more wine and good company. I can't say that the weekend wasn't perfect and I wouldn't change a thing. The perfect way to say goodbye.

TASTY TREATS

March 17, 2014 | Written by Katie | Photos by Katie

This weekend I was lucky enough to co-host a tiny high-tea full of tasty treats! Lexi and I spent some quality time baking in order to create some delicately sweet and savoury delights. What better way to celebrate a birthday than with an intimate lunch time affair full of bite sized bits of happiness. 

All of the recipes that Lexi had pre-prepared were so simple. Simple enough that most of my time was spent whisking, texting and licking the bowl. 

My favourite recipe was for the mini flourless lemon curd tarts, genius! I've included the recipe because they were too tasty not to share.

The thing I love about this recipe is that you can cook the tarts the night before and fill them with lemon curd when they're ready to eat. Lemon flavoured anything is my absolute favourite so I can't complain when there's left over curd in the fridge. 

Ingredients: 

Tart

2 cups blanched almond flour

1/4 teaspoon celtic sea salt 

2 tablespoons coconut oil 

1 egg

Lemon Curd

2 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks

3/4 cup caster sugar

1/3 cup chilled unsalted butter 

zest and juice of 2 lemons

Method:

Tart

Grease a mini 24 piece muffin tray. Combine everything in a bowl and whisk until it forms a ball. Break the mixture into small amounts and flatten in the tray. Cook at 180 degrees for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Place tarts in a container until the following morning or wait until they've cooled to serve.

Lemon Curd

Whisk whole eggs, yolks and sugar in a saucepan until smooth, then place pan over a low heat. Add butter, juice and zest and whisk continuously until thickened. Strain in to a jar. Our mix filled two small jam jars. Lemon curd can keep, if covered, in the fridge for two weeks. But really will it last that long?

**When you're ready to serve fill the tarts with lemon curd and hey presto you have delicious flourless lemon curd tarts!**

We had a few mishaps along the way, ie. a tray of burnt scones, but the lunch itself was gorgeous. I ran with the overall theme and gifted another skull porcelain plate (relevant) and a print of my new illustration. 

Nothing makes me happier than tiny food because in all honesty doesn't it feel like you're eating less? High tea, where it's acceptable to gorge as long as you're napkin is printed with floral. Perfect Sunday.