Flora and Fauna

Nature has always been a huge source of inspiration for me when designing clothing, patterns, or accessories. But you don't have to be a designer or a seamstress to incorporate nature's inspiration into your wardrobe. 

Below are pictures of two beautiful flowers that I found here in Australia. The soft butter yellow is pure perfection as it melts into the white. Similar to what Annelien is wearing on the left: soft yellow and white top, complimented by white linen shorts, and the entire outfit reflects the cool casual feel of summer. 

Here is another example of how colors can inspire your outfit. Take a look at the Hibiscus below. The pink just pops off the bright green and kelly green background.

You can also see here how the pink and green combination on this dress are extremely flirty and fun!

 I've also learned that color is not the only inspiration that nature's beauty holds. Take a look at the structure of the flower below. 

Similar to the felt flower on the pillow I designed.

Isn't it just amazing how much nature has to offer? The colors and intricacy of the designs are just breath taking! Next time your out for a walk, take a look around and see what inspires you!

Pop Yo Colour

 Pump up the volume in your wardrobe! Here I took a simple scarf that I had made out of orange fabric and paired it with a classic navy blue dress. 

Having a basic understanding of how a color wheel works can drastically change your world. If you notice on the picture I have below: What is directly across from blue???... thats right ORANGE. It really is amazing. So next time you have a pretty plain outfit that you are trying to jazz up, whip out your trusty color wheel, and you may just find a new way to wear an old favorite. 

Here are a few more examples of using color. I know that they may seem a bit extreme, but it is all about taking the idea or theory and trying to apply it into your life.

Now get out there and start looking fabulous!

Love Lots!

New Stuff

Im so happy to introduce to everyone the newest addition to my patterns at Lindsey Rae Designs. The Sweet Adelaide PDF. The pattern is available in my etsy shop, and I also have a BIG promotion going on right now: Buy all three of my flower patterns for just $7.50. Amazing, I know!!! Once I get my sewing machine up and running again I cant wait to share with you all of the ideas that have been swirling around in my head!

A little Birdie Told Me

So for my first official Blog Post I wanted to share a craft that I designed out of necessity. This year for Christmas I had just arrived in Australia, and all of my things from America had not made their way over. I had no crafting supplies, no tree, and no money. I decided that I would set myself a very small budget,and design my own ornaments and this is what came out. While I am fully aware that Christmas is officially over. I thought these birds would also make a nice mobile for a child's room or for decoration.


First, Here are the Supplies that you will need.
1. Some really awesome colors of paint. I used the NEW martha stewart paints that you can now buy at Michale's. 
2. Paint Brush
3. Package of Sewing Needles with Big Eyes
4. Styrofoam Balls, that you can purchase from most craft stores.
5. String
6. Pkg of feathers
7. Craft Glue
8. Empty egg carton works great for the drying process.
9. Little piece of yellow/off white felt or construction paper.
10. Permanent Marker


Next, You are going to paint the entire styrofoam ball. Some of my balls I choose to paint all one color and some I decided to paint the top half one color and the bottom half another color as you can see from the picture. This is also the time where you will want to insert your sewing needle. Decide which part is going to be the very top of your bird and insert your sewing needle, sharp side down. This is going to give us something to hold onto while we paint, and the eye of the needle will allow us to thread our string and have a way to hang out lil birdie.

 Now that your lil bird is painted and dried up side down in your empty egg carton, you are ready to add the feathers. Using a pen, poke two holes in the back where the back feathers will go. This makes it easier for the feathers to glide in and stay put.

Choose two feathers and push them into the holes that you just made with your pen. Your bird should now almost be ready to take flight.

Take two more feathers from your pack. Cut off the ends as shown. These are going to be used as the side wings.

Using your craft glue, put a small dot of glue on either side of your bird. Press on the feathers you just cut, gently. Let dry.

Finally you are ready to give your bird a bit of personality. Take your felt and cut out a small diamond shape. Using your craft glue, place your beak on your bird as shown in the picture. Next, draw on the eyes with your permanent marker. You can do a wide variety of different eyes. My husband did a couple that were pretty funny. And lastly, take a piece of string and thread it through the eye of the needle. Tie a knot at the top, and hang from a mobile or from a tree.

I hope that you have enjoyed my first tutorial. I plan to have many more as the blogging progresses. 

G'Day

I have spent many years admiring the beauty and talent of other crafters on their blogs. I think it is a wealth of inspiration and personal motivation to get things accomplished. This is the year to get things accomplished and that is why I have decided to start my blog Lindsey Rae Designs. I hope to inspire others to live passionately everyday and to accomplish what they set out to do. As a recent migrant to Australia, I feel like their is so much to see and explore. I will be posting my own personal designs, craft ideas, and inspirations as I am constantly influenced and amazed by my new surroundings. I hope that you will join me on this journey of exploring style and crafts in Australia.


Cheers,


Lindsey