The Art of Namecards

Business cards are key in Asia. You must a) offer and receive a business card with both hands b) intently study business cards when you are given them - a long look at the card, then a look at the person and then another look at the card usually suffices c) not under any circumstances chuck the business card in your handbag willy nilly- they should be placed somewhere important so the giver can see you respect them (as though you plan on putting it under your pillow when you get home). Can be awkward when are you giving and receiving a card at the same time using both hands and the 'business card shuffle' ensues - someone really has to let go at some point.

It helps that getting your own namecards is super cheap - I got a couple of hundred of these printed recently for HK$40 (us$5).

F*ck Yeah, Lanterns!

I bought a whole heap of these lantern lights to go on a friend's rooftop and around the flat while I was in Malaysia. Aren't they pretty? I'm sure if you've been to Thailand you will have seen them in every market - was very pleased to find them in Penang too. Can't wait to show you pics of them strung all over the house and the rooftop. (The bf is well pleased by this thought as I am sure you can imagine).

wearing: DIY tassel earrings, lace shorts designed by me, thrifted red silk shirt, studded pouch bag.

DIY Lampshades and Birdcages

Very rarely post about home DIYs but love these.

Image: Heart + Bleecker/Bonnie Friday

DIY Jam Jar Cocktail Glasses

Man these look refreshing! Head down to your local thrift store or homewares store and pick yourself up some glasses like these.

Image:Rackk and Ruin

Easter in the garden

Not being overly into chocolate (although very partial to a cold cherry ripe), the easter bunny brought these additions to my bedside cactus garden this weekend instead of lindt. Hope you all had a gorgeous easter weekend! Also, the lovely Carly of Chic Steals recently posted a little interview she did with me here. Head over and check it out.

Home Inspiration - the old fridge

Spied this in an organic tea shop when I was hiking Lamma Island recently. DIY home decor inspiration at its most resourceful best.

DIY Corkboard Walls (look closely...)

The gorgeous Amalia of Smart n Snazzy brought my attention to this pic from the Lucky Mag website of Fashion news director Jen Ford's cork board lined wardrobe where she keeps all her inspiration. Lo and behold on it is a pic of me taken by Vanessa Jackman! Haha how random. Btw how good is the corkboard lined wardrobe? I know you can buy cork with adhesive on one side that can be rolled out and attached to walls - much better than wallpaper! I think this is the stuff I mean. Update: Amalia tells me this image is in this months mag too! Anyone know where I can buy it in HK?

DIY Wall Hangings

Why not turn your wardrobe into art?

Image: The Coveture

DIY Teacup Cactus Garden

How cute is this??

Image: Lovemore

A week in pictures - HK Neighbourhood

What's it like to live in HK you ask? Here's the week in pics around my neighbourhood.

1. local coffee shop

2. Stall near our house selling offerings for the local Taoist Temple

3. Naughty sheep in a local design firm.

4. View from the rooftop over Sheung Wan, the Mid Levels and Victoria Peak.

5. Local streets.

6. Blogging workspace (very rarely this tidy)

7. Local temple.
outfit: vintage spot skirt, DIY sheer cut out wrap top, zara wedges.

DIY Terranium

Two of my favourite bloggers, Kelly of Lions, Tigers and Fashion Oh My and Jenni of I Spy DIY have caught my imagination with their gorgeous cactus terrariums. As you can probably guess, I have been making do with lots of indoor plants (in the absence of a garden) and will definitely be making my own little desert ecosystem in a fish bowl this weekend.

DIY Kit Sorted!!

Twas the Christmas that just kept on giving. The late presents are always the best ones! The bf isn't always great w the timing of presents, but he never fails to get the gift right. We were travelling around sri lanka at christmas so its no surprise that the bf didn't lug it around in his suitcase! Love my new Singer sewing machine that was bought for me yesterday. Have started using it so be ready for some more amazing projects! Do you have a sewing machine? They last a lifetime and are the best investment. Get one! This one wasn't that expensive I don't think, and the one I have at home in Aus is a bit more fancy, but all you really need is a straight stitch and one that doesn't break.

Those things you can't live without...

My favourite bits and pieces of jewellery. I know its not DIY but what the heck.

1. french engraved necklace bought in Paris (worn every day without fail), crystal necklace from Sri Lanka.

2. DIY rock ring and polished rock ring from Lyon.

3. Amazing black crystal bracelet a gift from a friend.

4. Silver Buddhist prayer necklace from Sri Lanka, DIY Shell Necklace, Amethyst pendant from Sri Lanka.

DIY Blogger Profile - Semi

It seems like every day I stumble upon an amazing DIY blogger. Today it was Ren of the blog Semi. I particularly adore her amazing neon tribal painted branch jewellery hangers, and her cut off boots (inspired by me!). You should definitely head over to her blog and get amongst it (perhaps even pop over to her shop!).

Image: Semi

DIY Blogger Discovery - Rar Traum Store

Have discovered another amazing DIY blog - Rar Traum Store. The lovely Gabriela contacted me and mentioned that she did a few DIYs... I checked out her blog and Phoahhhh! I think you would probably call her work designing rather than DIY - its a hell of a lot more than a slapdash craft project. What I particularly like about her work is her ability to take a piece of junk - even things she finds in the trash or in scrap bins - and turn them into something utterly amazing. She has made some amazing jewellery using stones, crushed glass, scrap metal and just about everything else, and I adore her crazy denim jacket - very Balmain. My favorite piece of hers is an amazing deconstructed clock. Head over to her blog and check it out yo.

Do you love her Gaga inspired crown?

DIY Branch Clothes Hanger

Found this very cute idea on Semi Jewels, much like Ivania's branch wardrobe, I love it!

DIY Postcard Wall

Collected postcards from my travels. A nice way to wake up. Looking forward to adding more from asia this year.

DIY Lady Garden

Our new little flat in Hong Kong is starting to feel like home. We've settled in well and I'm honestly so happy to be here, it's such a fun and enchanting city. Living in the most densely populated city in the world obviously means we don't have an Aussie style backyard, but have been busily bringing the outside in using plants and flowers (haven't graduated to a tamagochi yet but may well get there!). I'm going to be steadily adding to our collection of indoor plants and cacti as the year progresses, maybe adding one every time I feel like I've kicked a goal. Tea cups are perfect pot plants too! Do you like the mania mania style rough crystal pendant necklace I bought when I was travelling in Sri Lanka? I'll post an shot of me wearing it when I get a chance. Below are a few other little purchases from my trip including a porcelain leaf,  an 'elebank' and zebra printed note book (which is almost full already!). I could have gone wild with shopping but am trying to keep my life on the minimal side. Seriously sucks sometimes though. (ps the title is a joke)

DIY Blogger Discovery - Love Aesthetics

Stumbled upon the most amazing blog this morning that I just had to share with you. Ivania of Love Aesthetics has the coolest vintage style, and a whole cache of utterly inspired (and simple) DIYs. Nothing seems too difficult for her! I am particularly inspired by her two tone silk shirt, her knotted tees and bolt jewellery, the white branch clothing rack (amazing!) and the zipper jacket. Head over to her blog and take some time to enjoy its clean and simple lines, Ivania's covetable style and her ability to pull off just about any colour lipstick.

 Btw, how gorgeous are the tan leather pants?