Fabric Alternatives For Cushions Covers :: Recycled Indian Sari Fabric

I have recently ordered some second hand Indian sari fabric from Delhi via Etsy.

Why? You may ask? 

Sari's come in about 5m length of fabric and a standard roll wide. Depending on the fabric style they can vary in pattern and colours across the entire length. This makes for an interesting mix of colours and patterns from just one or two pieces of fabric.

LHS image - sari artwork from the restaurant Dal Roti in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India
RHS image - some of my sari material

You can see how many different colours and patterns you can get from just one sari!

The fabric patterns will also tie in nicely with the Indian theme of my new outdoor seating area.

If you are looking for an eclectic set of cushions with mix and match patterns, colours and designs and do not mind making your own cushion covers then this makes for an interesting option. 

It is also far cheaper for the amount of fabric that you get and great to know that the fabric has found a new lease of life. 

Will post photos when all the fabric has arrived...

Has anyone used any other interesting recycled fabrics to make their cushions? 

Have fun.

Patchwork Pattern Throw

I have been gathering quite a few fabric samples these days with the various project I have currently on.

What to do with them after I finish using them for sample boards? How about a patchwork pattern bed throw like this one by The Purl Bee. These are made from squares of felted wool fabric, but you could also use upholstery fabric, old denim or even an old chunky knit jumper. 

If you click here The Purl Bee have also got a great tutorial on how to make this amazing throw.

This may be my solution to covering up more tired sofa...

Have fun.

Recycled Candle Centre Pieces, Coat Hooks and Book Ends

Now here are a few original recycling ideas by artisan designer Terina Smith.

These pieces have been rescued from landfill or farmers paddocks then cleaned, polished and given a new lease of life. 

I love these coat hooks made from recycled locks 

These candle centre pieces, book ends and coat & hat racks have been created from 100 year old electricity cross beams and old insulators found in the Scenic Rim region. 

Recycled candle centre pieces

Recycled coat & hat racks

Recycled bookends.
All images courtesy of Terina Smith

Can you imagine that these pieces would have been passed by bullock trains and horse & cart, seen the advent of motor vehicles and dirt tracks turn into bitumen roads and been around to see the telegraph replaced by telephones and now optical fibre cabling. 

What an amazing piece of history in a recycled object. 

If anyone would like to buy these feel free to drop me an email here.

Have fun.

Coastal Decoration Indian Style :: Goa, India

I am always drawn to the colour and texture when I walk along a beach and it's a pleasant surprise to find so much inspiration on Indian beaches...

These beach huts at Cozy Nook use decorative timber screens as the downstairs entrance wall and look stunning against a the natural bamboo backdrop. 

In contrast these images are of fishing nets, timber panelling, ceramic pots, fabrics and other objects that have now found a new uses. 

Next stop the beaches of Kerala.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Coastal Christmas Decorating Ideas

The last few years I have found myself by the beach for Christmas. This year I will be in Southern India and without access to my Christmas decoration box which is currently in storage back home in Brisbane.

As I am currently living out of a rucksack I will have to search the beaches for this years driftwood and shell based decorations! Here's a few ideas for now until I find mine over the next few weeks...

For more driftwood Christmas tree ideas click here.

Have fun & have a great holiday.