roll up, roll up ... it's show time!

You might remember (via this post) that I visited the Royal Melbourne Show last year and came back a bit disappointed that there wasn't much of the wonderful craft I see in blogland exhibited. My goal this year is enter at least one item myself, and hopefully encourage others to do the same.

It's not about winning or prizes - it's about participating and showing the viewing public something they may not have seen/thought of before. Here are just some of the excellent categories that you can enter (there are lots of sub-categories too, including those for first-timers):

fashion revisited/recycled 

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embroidery

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cushions, pillows and bolsters

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fashion from the farm

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felting

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knitting

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crochet

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patchwork, quilting & applique

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toy making

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photography

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cooking

Here's what you need to know:
1. The Art, Craft & Cookery Schedule (includes the full list of categories you can enter) and Application form can be downloaded here
2. Entry forms and fees (not the actual item) are due by Friday 23 July 2010
3. Deliver (by hand or post) you entered item(s) to the showground 7- 9 September 2010
4. The dates for this years show are Saturday 18 September to Tuesday 28 September at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Flemington
5. You don't have to make something new if you don't want to - enter something you've already made (as long as you made it less than 2 years ago) 

Feel free to copy all or part of this post if you would like to get the word out too. I have an image in my mind of the show organisers exclaiming at the wonderful variety and calibre of entries in 2010 - I hope that, together, we can add a bit of fun to the show this year!

business-like cards ...

I went through about 200 business cards at the show, which was amazing! My new supply arrived in the post this morning, along with some nifty, matching postcards for fun ...

I designed these myself, and used my own photographs with the help of moo - I can't recommend them highly enough. Postcards will be finding their way into orders from the shop over the next week or so. Enjoy your Thursday!

tuesday in the kitchen ... best-ever meatloaf recipe

It's been a while since I've done a recipe post, but this one was soooo good that I had to share it straight away! I found this recipe in The Thirfty Kitchen, which I bought the other day as a result of this recipe recommendation from Kirsty.

I don't think I've ever actually made meatloaf before - mainly because every one I've eaten has been dry and bland. This one is certainly not - full of old fashioned ingredients like curry powder and worcestershire sauce - and it is glazed with the most yummy sauce. It's also not cooked in a loaf pan resulting in a lovely sticky crust all the way around. Easy, tasty and makes enough for lunches the next day - you can find the recipe here. I used 1kg of beef mince instead of the sausage mince, and didn't have an egg and it worked fine! I served it with mashed spud and corn on the cob - old school and delish!

make your own paper lampshade ...

In two weeks, my friend Sandra from Pepperberry & Co is embarking on a three month voluntary project with Liberty in North Korea (LiNK). She has organised a crafty fundraising night next Thursday night here in Melbourne ...

WHAT: Light Up For LiNK- a Craft Class that makes a difference!
WHEN: Thursday, 27th May 2010 @ 6.30pm - 8.30pm
WHERE: Kaye Coghlan Theatre, Thornbury High School, 238 Collins St, Thornbury
HOW MUCH: $30 (full) - $20 (concession)
TO BOOK: Call 0401 766 348 or email thatLiNKproject(AT)gmail.com

You'll receive beautiful handmade paper from Papers By Pepperberry and be taught how to create your very own Paper Lampshade.

As if crafting, creating, chatting and giggling isn't enough, you'll also receive a lampshade base and lampshade pattern to take home, as well as have all of the tools and materials provided.

For more information about Sandra's amazing adventure, visit her blog. Feel free to pass the word around! Good luck Sandra!

the winner is ....

chook!

Congratulations Beth - a red vintage tramroll menu tea towel and fat quarter of your choice will be on it's way to you next week. I will be in touch to see what fabric you'd like!

Thanks to everyone who entered - it has been lovely to know that my little blog is of interest to people. It's also been nice to visit some new blogs - there are such clever people in blogland - I am constantly amazed.

Have a wonderful weekend!

giveaway almost closed ....

Less than two hours to go until my giveaway closes ... good luck everyone!
I'll draw a winner tomorrow.

What is it about red and white butchers/bakers twine? I love it!