tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294008802024-03-14T17:10:47.374+10:00Flying Star Toys blogHandmade toys by artist Florence Forrest. Flying Star Toys are poetic creations inspired by love.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-79909817198083109132010-11-08T21:24:00.003+10:002010-11-08T21:37:14.206+10:00Taking some time out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/TNfehL-Kn5I/AAAAAAAABOI/84MNXxie44Y/s1600/looking+at+you+NO+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/TNfehL-Kn5I/AAAAAAAABOI/84MNXxie44Y/s400/looking+at+you+NO+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537138928605896594" /></a><br />Passion...is something so important to making art. I began making toys as art and somewhere along the way they became a product...they were made from the spirit of love and I love these little characters dearly. Posting the image above of my Nature Owls fills me with such a sweet happy feeling, a feeling I've felt missing for a while during the most distressing year of my life. It has come time for me to step back and reorder my artist life and take a breath to find my passion again and to find the art again for myself and to let go of the product. I hope then that I can hold these little darlings in my arms again with the same sweetness that they came to me as.<br /><br />A big thank you to all of you who have also felt the love and supported the Flying Star spirit! You have all been Flying Stars too.<br /><br />xx FlorenceFlorence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-27666828930196437072010-04-16T14:35:00.003+10:002010-04-16T14:38:59.529+10:00My website is now back up!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/S8fpo5YOfYI/AAAAAAAABN4/Tx47UuNIwNA/s1600/mini+fruits+super+cl+face72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/S8fpo5YOfYI/AAAAAAAABN4/Tx47UuNIwNA/s400/mini+fruits+super+cl+face72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460589962016488834" /></a><br /><br />Good news my website is now with a new hosting company and so Flying Star Toys is back online!!!Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-88249468122094599622010-04-15T17:21:00.004+10:002010-04-16T14:31:56.761+10:00Where's my website?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/S8a_LQde0HI/AAAAAAAABNw/-eMoN6ao_Y0/s1600/Flocka2s-close-up-pair-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/S8a_LQde0HI/AAAAAAAABNw/-eMoN6ao_Y0/s400/Flocka2s-close-up-pair-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460261798351392882" /></a><br /><p>The Flying Star Toys website has been down for almost two weeks and now my email is not working either. </p><p>My host company has always been very slack so it looks like it is time to change companies.</p><p>Otherwise you can still see my toys at <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.etsy.com/">www.flyingstartoys.etsy.com</a> (prices in USD)</p><p>or at <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.bigcartel.com/">www.flyingstartoys.bigcartel.com</a> (prices in AUD). </p><p>I hope to have this cleared up soon!!<br /></p>Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-40164779734289447842010-01-07T09:51:00.005+10:002010-01-14T11:43:39.574+10:00New Beginnings 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/S0UiRb4caLI/AAAAAAAABNg/sxjR92LcWBE/s1600-h/new+year+2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/S0UiRb4caLI/AAAAAAAABNg/sxjR92LcWBE/s400/new+year+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423779009175251122" /></a><br />The end of last year saw lots of big changes in my and my family's personal life. For me a new life, a new house and a new packet of challenges....with many highs and lows still to encounter. I am, however, very positive about the future and am excited to unwrap the new gifts that await us all for 2010.<br /><br />Inside this beautiful fabric wrapping cloth is a bundle of Japanese incense sticks called, in english "Incense of the Silk Road". It is a rich combination of precious woods and gums that once travelled the great highways of the ancient world, blended with delicate Japanese sophistication...it's one of my favourites. <br /><br />May this year be as rich and delicate for us all.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-15408387786297640262009-11-30T08:04:00.002+10:002009-11-30T08:15:56.839+10:00GoMA Twilight Designer's Market - 11 December<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SxLwkz5w0rI/AAAAAAAABNY/E9TgtwcVNtE/s1600/NNmushrooms+MC72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SxLwkz5w0rI/AAAAAAAABNY/E9TgtwcVNtE/s400/NNmushrooms+MC72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409650617623827122" /></a><br />Flying Star Toys will be at the Twilight Designer's Market being held at the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in the Southbank cultural precinct. This year the clever people at GoMA decided that the cool air and romance of a summer's evening would be the best time to browse for that special gift for Christmas...which should make it a lovely walk before heading out on the town for dinner or a show ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Twilight Designer's Market<br />GoMA forecourt<br />Southbank Brisbane<br />Friday 11th December<br />4pm to 8pm</span>Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-15290528204616279322009-10-30T06:29:00.003+10:002009-10-30T06:41:16.686+10:00Flying Star Toys at the Brisbane Finders Keepers Market<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sun7sAZLsoI/AAAAAAAABNQ/GqKc0yim51Y/s1600-h/three+snowwalkers+angle+etsy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398122361818690178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sun7sAZLsoI/AAAAAAAABNQ/GqKc0yim51Y/s400/three+snowwalkers+angle+etsy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Flying Star Toys along with a bevy of extremely talented craft/arts designer makers will be featured at the <a href="http://www.thefinderskeepers.com/brisbane_markets.php">Brisbane Finders Keepers Market</a> this weekend.<br /><br />Please "do yourself a favour" and come to this market...if I wasn't in it I'd be organising a bus tour so that all my friends could come and see it :) I'm so very honoured to be among so many talented artist. If you can't find something you like here then the planet just isn't big enough....and don't forget Christmas is poking his big smiley Santa face around the corner...I suggest starting your Christmas shopping this weekend at the Brisbane Finders Keepers market...oh and at the Flying Star Toys stand ;)<br /><br /><em>Saturday 31st October from 12pm – 9pm<br />Sunday 1st November from 10am – 5pm<br />The markets will be held at:<br />The Old Museum<br />Cnr Bowen Bridge Road & Gregory Terrace,<br />Herston</em>Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-73250491068156629062009-09-16T11:24:00.001+10:002009-09-16T11:26:43.847+10:00Afternoon Moon by the Sea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SrA-c1ZqelI/AAAAAAAABM8/Le3u3QOpJUA/s1600-h/2+afternoonM+basket+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SrA-c1ZqelI/AAAAAAAABM8/Le3u3QOpJUA/s400/2+afternoonM+basket+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381870219799722578" /></a><br />Two Afternoon Moons by the sea. Sit and chat merrily. Big moon looks after little moon and little moon loves to laugh at funny big moon. Happy Afternoon Moons - so very friendly.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-12012260962055606112009-08-27T14:52:00.003+10:002009-08-27T15:09:39.066+10:00Flying Star Toys at the Bayside Arts Fair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpYRO52jzTI/AAAAAAAABMs/Lz3xNmW1Cy0/s1600-h/bayside+art+market+09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 189px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpYRO52jzTI/AAAAAAAABMs/Lz3xNmW1Cy0/s400/bayside+art+market+09.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374502153058766130" /></a><br />Not long now until the Bayside Arts Fair at Redcliffe on Sunday 6th of September. There will be music, wine bar, coffee, food, an art auction and as well as the arts market. That's where I come in. I'll be there flying the toy makers' flag. I've just bought a market gazebo so I'll be testing it out. <br /><br />If you're thinking of cooling down by the seaside that weekend then head out to Redcliffe, stop in, say hello and take in the groovy market atmosphere.<br /><br />Psst!! I'll have special market discounts and some new work I haven't shown yet...could be something special there for you ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bayside Arts Fair</span><br />Sunday 6th September<br />10am - 3pm<br />Redcliffe Foreshore Amplitheatre<br />(next to the Redcliffe Lagoon)<br />Settlement Cove<br />Redcliffe Pde</span>Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-2601546288526706072009-08-26T19:12:00.001+10:002009-08-26T19:16:08.166+10:00In my sewing basket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpT8zWZYk2I/AAAAAAAABMk/E-kCfbO0G88/s1600-h/wip+hearts+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpT8zWZYk2I/AAAAAAAABMk/E-kCfbO0G88/s400/wip+hearts+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374198214475420514" /></a><br />I'm loving working with these pretty colours. Rainbow is my favourite colour :)Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-48188144799132391562009-08-25T11:27:00.004+10:002009-08-25T11:38:13.422+10:00Chic-Chic Rattle redesign series 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpM-4zD8BDI/AAAAAAAABMc/8WdRw4M6xQE/s1600-h/chichic+new+basket+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpM-4zD8BDI/AAAAAAAABMc/8WdRw4M6xQE/s400/chichic+new+basket+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373707925883454514" /></a><br />After awhile of my partner John calling them fish I thought it was time to tweak the <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.com/Collections/chicchic.htm">Chic-Chic Rattle</a> design. So I've added a sewn beak detail which I think is ver cute.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpM-u0007HI/AAAAAAAABMU/C9BPwX9zIPM/s1600-h/chichic+new+cl+lemon+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpM-u0007HI/AAAAAAAABMU/C9BPwX9zIPM/s400/chichic+new+cl+lemon+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373707754558254194" /></a><br />This third series comes in white flannelette and lemon ausnerberg cotton with hand embroidered details in sashiko cotton in either pink, blue or grey.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpM-j97t1kI/AAAAAAAABMM/h1iXZWJ0fJo/s1600-h/chichic+new+white+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SpM-j97t1kI/AAAAAAAABMM/h1iXZWJ0fJo/s400/chichic+new+white+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373707568024507970" /></a><br />They are now available on the <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.etsy.com/">Flying Star Toys on Etsy shop</a> ($USD) and in the <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.bigcartel.com/">Flying Star Toys Big Cartel shop</a> ($AUD).Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-13864239913369871872009-08-17T08:45:00.006+10:002009-08-17T08:59:57.827+10:00Always Apple - Cushion Friend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SoiMhqhbd2I/AAAAAAAABME/di5lE5C7Kmw/s1600-h/apple+2+cushfriend+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SoiMhqhbd2I/AAAAAAAABME/di5lE5C7Kmw/s400/apple+2+cushfriend+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370697065617389410" /></a><br />Commissions are often an inspiration. Recently I was asked to do a large version of Always Apple and as you can see Always Apple Cushion Friend was the result. I've added this new version to the permanent collection. I hope you like this big red Always Apple Cushion Friend as much as I do :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SoiMXu71qcI/AAAAAAAABL8/Ylez-wwlTL8/s1600-h/apple+5+cushfriend+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SoiMXu71qcI/AAAAAAAABL8/Ylez-wwlTL8/s400/apple+5+cushfriend+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370696895003208130" /></a><br /><p>Always Apple Cushion Friend is made of cotton homespun and is about 11 inches wide with a hand embroidered face. Now Available in <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.etsy.com/">Flying Star Toys on Etsy shop</a> ($US) and the <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.bigcartel.com/products">Flying Star Toys on Big Cartel</a> ($AUD).<br /><br />Alway Apple is one of the <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.com/Collections/fruitsofeve.htm">Fruits of Eve</a>: Always Apple and Perfect Pear are wholesome and succulent. Taste the good life, make a happy home.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-74735408199461240282009-08-13T13:26:00.003+10:002009-08-13T13:38:22.351+10:00Incense on Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SoOITldY0SI/AAAAAAAABL0/g4OEkQPQ84k/s1600-h/incense+on+thursday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SoOITldY0SI/AAAAAAAABL0/g4OEkQPQ84k/s400/incense+on+thursday.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369285050810028322" /></a><br />Watching incense,<br />a flashing dragon,<br />shards of light from an early afternoon sun.<br /><br />Japanese sandalwood incense Byakudan Kobunboku by Baieido from <a href="http://primamateria.com.au/">Prima Materia: Botanical Perfumes and Aromatics</a>.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-484292990529346572009-08-07T19:18:00.002+10:002009-08-07T19:24:32.335+10:00Udessi at Portside August 9th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Snvx31uxWZI/AAAAAAAABLs/9hmn3T3_QXQ/s1600-h/udessi+at+portside+09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Snvx31uxWZI/AAAAAAAABLs/9hmn3T3_QXQ/s400/udessi+at+portside+09.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367149322560428434" /></a><br />This Sunday <a href="http://www.udessi.com.au/">Udessi</a> will be at the Boutique markets at Portside Whalf, Brisbane. You'll find Flying Star Toys and many other talented Australian makers wares available.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.boutiquemarkets.com.au/index.htm">Boutique Markets</a><br />Sunday 9 August, 8am – 4pm<br />Portside Wharf, Hamilton QldFlorence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-54658594271533329292009-08-04T16:00:00.002+10:002009-08-04T16:07:17.888+10:00Charity Ladies Lunch - Oakey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SnfO_zP37JI/AAAAAAAABLk/kHScMHSc1yI/s1600-h/Oakey+market+09+B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SnfO_zP37JI/AAAAAAAABLk/kHScMHSc1yI/s400/Oakey+market+09+B.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365985076519103634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SnfO0xYit7I/AAAAAAAABLc/1i8fOeBax-U/s1600-h/Oakey+market+09+A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SnfO0xYit7I/AAAAAAAABLc/1i8fOeBax-U/s400/Oakey+market+09+A.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365984887040030642" /></a><br />Some images of my stall at the Ladies Lunch market at Oakey. It was a great road trip with my sister and a lovely day out too.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-80851424336250989502009-07-27T12:34:00.005+10:002009-07-27T12:45:29.243+10:00Preparations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sm0S3gTQeyI/AAAAAAAABLU/oZ8KOTSZdCE/s1600-h/gathering+for+market.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sm0S3gTQeyI/AAAAAAAABLU/oZ8KOTSZdCE/s400/gathering+for+market.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362963476040940322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sm0SrLAcJnI/AAAAAAAABLM/XXANegnifdM/s1600-h/making+tags+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sm0SrLAcJnI/AAAAAAAABLM/XXANegnifdM/s400/making+tags+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362963264166438514" /></a><br />Some images of the preparations for a market day on Thursday. My sister (and baby) and I are having a little road trip out to Oakey. Flying Star Toys will be on display to delight the Ladies Annual Luncheon in support of the historical St Anne's Church at Jondaryan. Thanks to artist friend <a href="http://www.rachelarthur.com/">Rachel Arthur</a> for inviting us :)<br /><br />I'll take some photos of the event to show you how it went.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-30486774846761405342009-07-23T09:30:00.001+10:002009-07-23T09:32:50.599+10:00Thursday Morning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SmehfXkEJwI/AAAAAAAABLE/X_G0G8Laa3o/s1600-h/thursday+morning.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SmehfXkEJwI/AAAAAAAABLE/X_G0G8Laa3o/s400/thursday+morning.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361431441681164034" /></a>Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-54500288860155229982009-07-16T12:47:00.004+10:002009-07-16T13:02:03.684+10:00Commission - three fish mini line<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sl6VLMVX2RI/AAAAAAAABK0/fncRLswnWwU/s1600-h/three+fish+on+the+door+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sl6VLMVX2RI/AAAAAAAABK0/fncRLswnWwU/s400/three+fish+on+the+door+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358884626139437330" /></a><br />A cute story for this commission is that a dear patron of Flying Star Toys had previously bought a <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.com/Collections/fishingline.htm">Fishing Line mobile</a> and her boys had taken to "cooking" the fish on their toy stove, so Abby wrote to me asking if I could make her a mini fishing line of three fish for the boys to play with. Of course!! How charming :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sl6VVq5edNI/AAAAAAAABK8/whULuBGdL4g/s1600-h/three+fish+decoside+cl+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sl6VVq5edNI/AAAAAAAABK8/whULuBGdL4g/s400/three+fish+decoside+cl+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358884806142620882" /></a><br />Abby gives me a bit of creative space, trusting me to come up with something special for her, so I was quite excited to try something new with the Fishing Line. You can see the colours, fabrics and threads I've chosen for her mini line. The two blue fish have different fabrics on the reverse so that the boys will have in effect five different fish. I hope the colours and the textures of the fabrics will be fun for the boys to play with.<br /><br />Abby said that the little mini line of fish will look delightful hanging on the side of their toy stove :)Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-11975613542678477222009-07-14T20:57:00.003+10:002009-07-14T21:16:32.847+10:00Mathilda's Market this Sunday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Slxmk2BbYvI/AAAAAAAABKk/ut7nbRCRreI/s1600-h/mmlogo.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 120px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Slxmk2BbYvI/AAAAAAAABKk/ut7nbRCRreI/s400/mmlogo.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358270439826875122" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Slxm1ThgxhI/AAAAAAAABKs/cYhl5jlGPfE/s1600-h/mat-009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Slxm1ThgxhI/AAAAAAAABKs/cYhl5jlGPfE/s400/mat-009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358270722623981074" /></a><br />After cute and groovy things for little one's? Now that my sister has had a baby, I'm suddenly very keen to see what little treats I can pick for them both. And the mathilda's Market is the place I'd start looking!<br /><br />The next one is this Sunday the 19th. The Mathilda's Markets are now at the Brisbane City Hall Main Auditorium and have over 60 stalls. It's a market I've participated in the past and will be again in the future. Highly recommended!!<br /><br /><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mathildasmarket.com.au">Mathilda's Market</a>,<br />Brisbane City Hall,<br />Main Auditorium,<br />Sunday July 19th, 9am - 1pm.</span></span>Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-38728909564022305182009-07-14T16:07:00.002+10:002009-07-14T17:13:20.531+10:00Koh-Yama and the Ten Virtues of Incense<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlwlFzSyCkI/AAAAAAAABKc/I_s9alEzgOk/s1600-h/art+of+koh.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlwlFzSyCkI/AAAAAAAABKc/I_s9alEzgOk/s400/art+of+koh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358198438262606402" /></a><br />Just back from a couple of days with mum and dad on the Gold Coast. I came home to find "The Book of Incense" by Kiyoko Morita had arrive much early than expected from the US! This coupled with the little pots I had picked up from a delightful bonsai shop on Chevron Island meant I could enjoy an evening listening <em>and</em> reading about incense. I learned that incense appreciation is referred to as listening to incense, and this rings true for me. I find the process thoroughly intriguing...I imagine this is the same feeling that wine connoissieurs must have about tastings.<br /><br />I'm just in love with this tiny three mouth ceramic pot. Filled with sand it's perfect for planting the fine sticks of Japanese koh. When planted with three sticks it looks like the kanji for mountain, so I've called it Koh-Yama, that is, Incense Mountain :)<br /><br />Some of my favourite Japanese books are featured in the picture next to my Incense Mountain. They are "The Tale of Genji", "The Tales of Ise" and "A Chime of Wind Bells."<br /><br />I'll leave you with the <span style="color:#cc66cc;">Ten Virtues of Incense</span> said to have been written by a Zen priest in the sixteenth century.<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><span style="font-style:italic;">It brings communication with the transcendent.<br />It purifies mind and body.<br />It removes uncleanliness.<br />It keeps one alert.<br />It can be a companion in the midst of solitude.<br />In the middle of busy affairs, it brings a moment of peace.<br />When it is plentiful, one never tires of it.<br />When there is little, still one is satisfied.<br />Age does not change its efficacy.<br />Used everyday, it does no harm.</span></span></div><br /><br />How many things can be said to have so many virtues!<br /><br />May your week be fragrant :)Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-51296667602957736702009-07-11T12:40:00.026+10:002009-07-15T14:58:24.955+10:00Koh delightful - Japanese incence and wrapping cloths<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgDEsHsqtI/AAAAAAAABKU/aKoljDwn1nc/s1600-h/group+wrapped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgDEsHsqtI/AAAAAAAABKU/aKoljDwn1nc/s400/group+wrapped.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357035135855012562" /></a><br />This week I treated myself to something I'm personally very fond of - Koh, that is, Japanese Incense. However, this was my first time acquiring premium koh by <a href="http://www.oller.net/history.htm">Baieido</a>. They arrived yesterday morning from <a href="http://primamateria.com.au/">Prima Materia</a> and to give them a proper place to reside I spent an equally indulgent day making wrapping cloths using fabrics I've been saving for a long time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgC4WqaAsI/AAAAAAAABKM/qVkKIC1EjJo/s1600-h/cypress+box+open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgC4WqaAsI/AAAAAAAABKM/qVkKIC1EjJo/s400/cypress+box+open.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357034923936580290" /></a><br />Koh is a solid stick of pure ingredients, no synthetics, without a wooden support like joss sticks have. Premium koh uses aloeswood which comes in many grades. Truly I didn't know what to expect as I had only known the more common yet very beautiful scents of everyday koh. What delights was I to experience?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgCnz_z_II/AAAAAAAABKE/5JTV1lnRCe8/s1600-h/palace+single+open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgCnz_z_II/AAAAAAAABKE/5JTV1lnRCe8/s400/palace+single+open.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357034639753215106" /></a><br />I burn koh in my studio while I work, it helps to create an envelop around me while I tune out the worries of the world and become empty to all but the splendor of the work at hand. So, of course, I had to try a stick while making the wrapping cloths. I chose a stick from the single bundle of Kokonoe Koh (Incense of the Imperial Palace).<br /><br />At first, it seemed that she was holding back on me, that she skirted about the room fine and aloof. My attention easily went back to my work while the light smoke drifted clean, white and supple. It wasn't until, having finished and some time had passed, that walking back into the room I truly began to know her. She, in private, had bodied forth like great invisible silk curtains - full, regal and flowering in gentle cascades to the floor. "Ah! This is what aloeswood is all about," I thought. Everyday Koh is a delight, impressing the senses like a young girl, all colour and verve, but once gone leaves only a wisp of her presence behind. On the contrary this Princess of the Palace, who holds court elegantly behind the curtains of her bower, is unforgetable once beheld.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgCU96PHpI/AAAAAAAABJ8/7fV7KjMXieg/s1600-h/pink+and+blue+open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgCU96PHpI/AAAAAAAABJ8/7fV7KjMXieg/s400/pink+and+blue+open.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357034315996667538" /></a><br />Square wrapping cloths are called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki">furoshiki</a> in Japanese and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bojagi">bojagi</a> in Korean. When I want to wrap special things to store at home or to give as gifts I'll sometimes make a double-sided furoshiki. Choosing just the right fabrics from my collection to suit the object being wrapped is very enjoyable. Making a simple square of quality fabric is a pleasure as the textures and colours sing a solo aria. For these, I used the trimmings (cut off to square the fabric) to plait their matching ties, leaving the edges rough to create a contrast to the tailored finish of the cloth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgB-yX6txI/AAAAAAAABJ0/yjD7c-YVEao/s1600-h/group+wrapped+cl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SlgB-yX6txI/AAAAAAAABJ0/yjD7c-YVEao/s400/group+wrapped+cl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357033934942811922" /></a><br /><br />Wrapping becomes simple and elegant using a furoshiki. But most especially I love the way the special cloth adds an aura of preciousness to what one stores inside.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-13278076901741180732009-07-11T12:16:00.006+10:002009-07-11T12:39:22.828+10:00Udessi at the Portside Markets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Slf3hZVlLnI/AAAAAAAABJs/57NUbjETinw/s1600-h/logo+boutiquemarkets.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 175px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Slf3hZVlLnI/AAAAAAAABJs/57NUbjETinw/s400/logo+boutiquemarkets.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357022434889641586" /></a><br />This Sunday get along to the Boutique Markets at Portside Wharf in Brisbane. <a href="http://www.udessi.com.au/">Udessi</a> will be having a stand their so say hi to the lovely Kim and the talented Renee who will be on hand wearing their new super smart mini market aprons (designed and made by yours truly :)<br /><br /><p>And if all the great handmade work by some of Australia's most talented crafters, artists and designers is not enough to tempt you then you should also know that Portside Wharf is holding a Strawberry and Chocolate fair on the same day! Yum!</p><p>You'll be able to find Flying Star Toys on the Udessi stand on Sunday too.</p><a href="http://www.boutiquemarkets.com.au/index.htm">Boutique Markets</a><br />Sunday 12 July, 8am – 4pm<br />Portside Wharf, Hamilton QldFlorence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-37242183041324127492009-07-04T10:28:00.005+10:002009-07-04T18:05:47.558+10:00Meditations with Matisse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sk6ieqgk7jI/AAAAAAAABJY/y_8nlD3RbFI/s1600-h/still+life+with+geraniums+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/Sk6ieqgk7jI/AAAAAAAABJY/y_8nlD3RbFI/s400/still+life+with+geraniums+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354395654680800818" /></a><br />Last night I picked up the book "Matisse: His Art and His Textiles" I had waiting for me on the studio work bench. I would share a few sections of the first essay by Hilary Spurling that I liked.<br /><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;">"Matisse's Fabric collection served him as a combined archive and tool-store all his life. He called it 'my working library', taking sections of it with him whenever he switched studios between Nice and Paris, sending for others as and when he needed them, constantly replenishing the collection from oriental carpet shops and clothing stores, radically extending it at intervals in the bazaars, souks and market stalls of Algeria, Morocco and Tahiti, or at end-of-season sales of Parisian <span style="font-style:italic;">Haute Couture</span>."<br /><br />"Mattise drew on his working library to furnish, order, and on a deep, instinctual level, to compose his paintings. Fabrics made him feel at home. Like virtually all his northern compatriots, he had an inborn appreciation of their texture and design. He understood the propertites of weight and hang, he knew how to use pins and paper patterns, and he was supremely confident with the sissors."<br /><br />"He said that sissors in his hands became a tool 'as sensitive as pencil, pen or charcol - maybe even more sensitive'."</span><br /><br />Afterwards, as I sat pinning bunting triangles, watching the fabric, its treads, admiring the richness of colour dyed into the textile, I remember the lines above and smiled.<br /><br />*text from pages 16 and 17. Image above "Still Life with Geraniums", Henri Matisse, 1910, oil on canvas, 94.5 x 116 cm.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-13194794035594687302009-06-29T12:58:00.003+10:002009-06-29T13:09:06.383+10:00French Connection - Madame Chacha exclusive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkguKv4YOEI/AAAAAAAABJI/muVj5hg9CwY/s1600-h/chacha+house+paris1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkguKv4YOEI/AAAAAAAABJI/muVj5hg9CwY/s400/chacha+house+paris1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352578919316338754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkguRkYORHI/AAAAAAAABJQ/LnO-MWqLwYM/s1600-h/chacha+house+paris.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkguRkYORHI/AAAAAAAABJQ/LnO-MWqLwYM/s400/chacha+house+paris.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352579036487763058" /></a><br /><br />Morgane of Madame ChaCha (online childrens designer boutique based in Paris) commissioned this exclusive range of Flying Star Toys <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.com/Collections/homeawayfromhome.htm">Home Away from Home</a> to reflect real French houses. She's just launched them on her website (available to be read in both French and English) <a href="http://www.madamechacha.com/">Madame ChaCha</a>. These are some of the gorgeous images she's taken of them <a href="http://madamechacha.canalblog.com/archives/2009/06/23/14180353.html#comments">recently posted on her blog</a>.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-46096117139607378642009-06-23T11:40:00.005+10:002009-06-23T11:51:47.099+10:00Sail Away Boats - series 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkAzNC2Iv-I/AAAAAAAABI4/PBhk-okuseY/s1600-h/seaside+three+inline+etsy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkAzNC2Iv-I/AAAAAAAABI4/PBhk-okuseY/s400/seaside+three+inline+etsy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350332656511401954" /></a><br /><p><span style="font-style:italic;">Holiday at the Seaside</span> is the second series of <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.com/Collections/sailawayholiday.htm">Sail Away Boats</a>. I've called it "Holiday by the Seaside" because the colours remind me of sun-shiny days watching sparkling water and seeing the blithe boats sailing serenely in the distance.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkAy9Y3RivI/AAAAAAAABIw/8dpz7ruFCi8/s1600-h/seaside+three+names+etsy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkAy9Y3RivI/AAAAAAAABIw/8dpz7ruFCi8/s400/seaside+three+names+etsy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350332387543845618" /></a><br />Currently series 2 has three limited edition variations: Sunlight Blue, Nautica and Sunlight Red.<br /><br />Dimensions: 16cm (6 1/2 in) high, 15.5cm (6 1/4 in) wide. Eash boat is weighted to stand independently.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkA05_uPggI/AAAAAAAABJA/X-kyhizbsxI/s1600-h/bluestripe+sailaway+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SkA05_uPggI/AAAAAAAABJA/X-kyhizbsxI/s400/bluestripe+sailaway+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350334528278725122" /></a><br /><br />Sail Away boats series 2 is now available both on the <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.etsy.com/">Flying Star Toys Etsy shop</a> ($USD) and <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.bigcartel.com/">Bigcartel</a> ($AUD)Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29400880.post-14949283820274141402009-06-15T10:04:00.006+10:002009-06-15T10:23:37.413+10:00Introducing Home Away from Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SjWQiSkYV1I/AAAAAAAABIY/0-5ifBzfejM/s1600-h/basket+landsc+HomeAfHome+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SjWQiSkYV1I/AAAAAAAABIY/0-5ifBzfejM/s400/basket+landsc+HomeAfHome+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347339051346712402" /></a><br />Please welcome <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.com/Collections/homeawayfromhome.htm">Home Away from Home</a> to the Flying Star Toys collections. Their story goes: Take a piece of home with you wherever you make go, to keep you safe in love's embrace who knows your sweetest wish.<br /><br />A little home to call your own. These little friendly homes have chimneys with soft, curling smoke that look like clouds. This is how you know someone is at home and thinking of you, keeping the rooms all snug and warm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SjWQ-a4R60I/AAAAAAAABIg/otrg92FqgOU/s1600-h/HAfH+series+1+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SjWQ-a4R60I/AAAAAAAABIg/otrg92FqgOU/s400/HAfH+series+1+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347339534613998402" /></a><br /><br />Using limited edition designer fabrics and hand embroidered with sashiko cotton they are backed with grey cotton velvet. Available in four sizes: small A, small B, large A (chimney side) and large B (chimney middle). Weighted to stand independently.<br /><br />Dimensions: each stands approximately 26cm (10 1/4 in) tall. The base widths are; small A 5cm (2 in), small B 6.5cm (2 12 in), Large A 10cm (4 in), Large B 11cm (4 1/4 in).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SjWRLVqtgFI/AAAAAAAABIo/f2tJ2QWE9Qg/s1600-h/chacha+houses+basket+72dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_imgVu_cdQG8/SjWRLVqtgFI/AAAAAAAABIo/f2tJ2QWE9Qg/s400/chacha+houses+basket+72dpi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347339756553207890" /></a><br /><br />The Home Away from Home in the image just above have been made as an exclusive set for <a href="http://www.madamechacha.com/index.php">Madame Cha-Cha</a> in Paris, France.<br /><br />For more images of Home Away from Home see their <a href="http://www.flyingstartoys.com/Collections/homeawayhome_images.htm">Gallery page</a>.Florence Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07539672176570172886noreply@blogger.com2