[Creative Sundays – Star Lights]

Now that I’m working in the corporate world again, my weekends are so important. I love them and today when it was cold and rainy I made this Star Lights wall hanging to brighten up my bedroom.

It must have brightened up the whole day because the sun is now out and it’s perfect timing for a walk …. Feeling very productive, creative and loving nature today!

Much Love,

Fi xx

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[Peruvian Pom Poms]

The colour in Peru is amazing and I loved the pom poms!! Check out my previous post when I travelled to Peru, it was the BEST TRIP EVER!

I’ve started with a couple of pieces and more will be available in different colours and styles so let me know if you have something in mind, I’d love to make something special. Joncina, the donkey, loves the hot pink triple pom pom earrings!!

P.S. Joncina and Solomay were handmade by my beautiful friend Doris in Luquina, Peru. I named them after her cat and dog, so cute!

Much love, Fi xx

Pom Pom Peru Collection – http://on.fb.me/1vU6FsL

Etsy Shop – http://etsy.me/1nKzYwr

FiDesignFotos

[Rock ‘n’ Roll]

I hope you’ve got your party plans ready for the weekend …. It’s another fabulous Friday & here are some rockin’ ideas to shop for!

Have fun xxxx

Rock ‘n’ Roll Collection – http://on.fb.me/VJXVL3

Shop – http://etsy.me/1nKzYwr

[Brazil]

Fi, Christ the Redeemer and a million tourists (and some scaffolding)!

Well, Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis, Brazil is MASSIVE!!

We arrived in Rio de Janeiro very early in the morning and headed to the hostel we had booked. The hostel was recommended to us and we were looking forward to some fun and time to chill out after our amazing trek. It’s safe to say that it didn’t live up to our expectations. Maybe it would have if someone had mentioned that it was on the outskirts of hell. We checked in and found a dorm that must have had an explosion. There was no one there and when I used the bathroom, the toilet didn’t flush and there was no water in the faucet. It was time to leave!! And then one of the ‘guests’ asked if we were staying because he wanted to party with us. Um, no!! By this stage it was around 6:00am and we decided to go elsewhere.

We settled into a nice hotel a couple of blocks from Copacabana Beach, had a nap and headed for the beach. The weather was forecast for sunshine all week and we made the most of it. We woke up around nine each morning, ate breakfast, went to the beach to swim and lie in the sun. We walked around in the afternoons and had early dinners so we always felt safe.

We had an amazing dinner at the Copacabana Palace which meant sandwiches for the rest of the week.

 Princesses Fifi and Brooke at the Copacabana Palace

 We were amazed at how quiet everything was. It wasn’t going to be long before people arrived for the World Cup but it was all a bit sleepy. There were very few tourists and we felt like we had the run of the beach. The streets had a tropical city feel like you see in Bali and Thailand. It was busy with people coming and going about their business but very relaxed. We were also surprised that almost no one spoke any English and we relied heavily on the phrase book. People are friendly and you can get by with a smile and some charades. My trip to the post office was adventurous and while we sat waiting my turn, I studied the phrasebook. Perfect. Until they asked me a question and more hand signals ensued, lots of fun and why travel can be so exciting.

We went to see Christ the Redeemer and it’s so impressive. It really is HUGE! More stairs and lots of lovely views …..View from the top … Christ the Redeemer looking over Rio beaches

After a week we flew to Florianopolis which is so pretty. I’M IN LOVE. We met Brooke’s gorgeous friend Lu and had so much fun. We made beautiful friends, played cards, Jenga, went to a dance party, nearly got a husband, fell in love with the man who saved me from that debacle and I cannot wait to go back.

 Florianopolis – Backpackers Sunset Rooftop Deck

I think the only thing I truly missed was drinking water out of the tap! And Mum’s roast!

Much love and safe, fun travelling,

Fi xx

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Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FiDesignJewellery

Sunset Backpackers – http://www.sunsetbackpackers.com/pt/hostel

[Peru]

Garden of Love – Lima, Peru

(email home, Lovely Lima in Peru – part 2 of ‘Best Trip Ever’ 20th April 2014)

Hi Everyone,

We’re in Lima, the capital city of Peru & it’s truly beautiful!!

The weather is much cooler which is a welcome relief, about 20-23 degrees.

Yesterday was very long as we left Hollywood for LAX at 3:30am, arranged for some luggage to be stored, then checked in, got breakfast ($20 for a juice & a sandwich, never again!), celebrity spotting (the Fonze, Henry Winkler), security screening & the plane ride to El Salvador!!!

And another plane to Lima, taxi negotiation, wrong hotel booked (don’t ask, it wasn’t us) & another taxi negotiation then all good, wine, shower & bed!!

Our room here is adorable and I’m pretty sure our beds & cupboard are hundreds of years old. Super comfy beds (Brooke’s asleep as I write this)!

Tonight we meet the gang we’ll be travelling with for the next two weeks & going out for dinner!!

As we’re being collected tomorrow at 4:00am I thought I’d catch up now! I still haven’t looked at the itinerary but figure it’s all good!! Surrender to the journey!!

Love you all xxxx

Larco Museum – Lima, Peru

Lake Titicaca

(email home, Peru is Amazing – part 3 of ‘Best Trip Ever’ 4th May 2014)

Hi Everyone!!

I’ve now been to Machu Picchu & believe me it was a tough one. But oh so much fun!!!

The last week is a bit of a blur however we travelled around with the best group of new friends, worked on a farm, ate local food, slept in -5C degrees in a tent, battled the altitude (more than 4000 metres), partied in a nightclub with our trekking friends, renamed myself Feyonce, stayed awake for 24 hours and have lived to tell the tale!!!!

Lots of photos to sort through when I get home 😉

Brooke & I are now in Rio & making the most of the warm weather & comfortable beds…. Look out tomorrow, we’re hitting the beach! Staying just up the road at Copacabana, woo hoo!!

Much Love xx

Fi

P.S. If you’re travelling to Peru, or anywhere with a group, I suggest and recommend G Adventures, they’re amazing!

http://www.gadventures.com.au/

[Coachella]

(email home – part 1 of ‘Best Trip Ever’ 16th April 2014)

So. Coachella!! WOW, I can honestly say that it was the best weekend I think I’ve ever had. Without a doubt it was super fun, a bit crazy and I’m not sure I could do it all again. Talk about extremes, one minute you have heat exhaustion, then you’re putting on jeans, boots and a scarf with a jacket for the night shows.

I arrived on Tuesday and met Brooke for a lobster lunch where she was working on the pier at Santa Monica. It was a beautiful day (it is California) and we caught up on what we’ve missed. After lunch we met Dee and Ash had margaritas at Cabo Cantina and then went shopping. Probably not the best idea but it wasn’t mine and I didn’t buy anything so I was safe. Needless to say Ash bought a sequined bikini top in Victoria’s Secret and made the sales assistant call her Ashy Gaga …. oh yes, this is going to be fun.

On Wednesday we packed up and met the girls, Dee, Ash and Amy. We headed for the Jucy van pickup centre and were on the road to our motel in Indio. We went to Sizzler for our last big meal then home for a good night’s sleep.

Thursday morning was going to be the shopping day for supplies. The 99 cent store, KMart and the liquor store wore on the list and we had MANY supplies. If you’ve seen Facebook you can see Brooke, Amy and my legs in the back stretched out over the bedding, supplies with a family pack of toilet paper and the 99cent ball which didn’t last long.

We waited at the motel for some of Brooke’s friends she met last year and we were off and racing. It was only about 15 minutes away but the queues to get inside, have security go through everything, have our tickets/wristbands and ID’s checked took FOREVER! But it was fun, everyone plays games in the lines and for a couple of hours you forget that it’s about to get BETTER.

Once we got inside it was actually dark and we set up the best we could. I’m pretty sure we just crashed but it was a really hot night and the morning we woke up early due to it being over 30 degrees C at 8am.

After that it’s all a bit of a blur and I’m glad the girls took LOTS of pictures. We had breakfast, showers, took in the art installations, went on the Coachella Ferris Wheel, saw bands and danced like crazy.

There really is so much to take in at something like this and I was so impressed that they really do think of everything and cater for everyone.

On Friday night I saw Bryan Ferry and The Cult who were fantastic, then met the girls for more dancing. Saturday was the biggest, most fun day and we saw lots of bands (have a look on the website if you like) but I really wanted to see Queens of the Stone Age so the girls came too. We have new lovers of the Queens which is very cool and we danced, air guitared and met a bunch of like minded fun boys from Cronulla …. there were a lot of Aussies there 😉

Sunday I went to see Motorhead which was super cool and Slash made a special appearance. It was pretty awesome and I met a really nice chick who was also there on her own. Nice to know there are a few of us 😉

The days were basically very hot, a few drinking games under the neighbours shade tent but a lot of it was sitting in the camper trying to stay out of the sun. Considering we had five chicks in very close proximity all day every day I really think it just brought us all closer and we had the BEST time.

We left on Monday morning and were very impressed that we got it all sorted and together before 9am. Although it was a very long trip home …. burgers at In and Out, drop Amy at her friends RV resort, Ash & Dee back to Rob’s, get gas and drop the camper back to Jucy, a taxi back to Hollywood we were home about 6pm so that was last night.

I can’t believe chapter one is over …. a few days to chill out before we fly to Lima in Peru on Friday!!

Love you and I hope whatever you’re doing it is FUN … if it’s not you need to re-think your plan 😉 xx

P.S. Cath McMahon – I was just in Target earlier and thinking of you … LOVE!

Xxxx

[Home]

There really is no place like home … I’ve just been on the most amazing holiday for the last five weeks and although this has been the trip of a lifetime, it’s good to be home.

I will add details of my holiday shortly but today I just feel grateful to be home. And it’s made me wonder, why do we have such a yearning to go travelling only to long to come home again? Is it the friends and family, pets and routine that we miss or is it just that we like to see what’s over there and come back feeling fresh and renewed to whatever makes us comfortable?

For me, I love seeing new places and meeting new people. I also like myself better when I’m away. It’s almost as if you can be more you if that makes sense. The people you meet have no idea about your normal life, just what you’ve been doing on your travels. It’s really exciting. And it’s wonderful to tell new and interesting people stories about your life that everyone else already knows. It even sounds more interesting when you’re sharing it with fresh ears.

I’m also excited to have some new and fabulous jewellery designs to show you and I’ll put together some of my photos and experiences from Coachella, Peru & Brazil …. It will be fun to relive these adventures with interesting people and fresh eyes!

Much love,

Fi xx

https://www.facebook.com/FiDesignJewellery

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[Holiday]

I’m going on a trip of a lifetime for a few weeks and I’m not taking my computer so I’m going to leave you with a few websites I love just in case you miss me 😉

My Itinerary:

Coachella – http://www.coachella.com/

Peru – http://www.gadventures.com/trips/classic-peru/PPC/2014/details/#itinerary

Rio de Janeiro – http://www.riodejaneiro.com/

People I love:

Gala Darling – I never knew what girl crush meant, but now I do:
http://galadarling.com/

Tim Ferriss – This man has inspired the life I am now creating:
http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody – Awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY&list=RDtgbNymZ7vqY

Have fun and be safe!

Much Love,

Fi x

[Dream Catchers]

I work in a beautiful shop that sells beach and ocean inspired home wares and every now and again someone will want something we don’t have and I think, “Oh, I can make that”.  Of course I can make almost anything, the hard part is finding the right person for the piece.

The idea of dream catchers has always appealed to me and over the years I’ve had a few of them. I have a lovely one stashed somewhere and I thought I’d like a large one above my bed, but I can’t get excited about the ones I’ve seen in the shops, so I’ll make one!! I actually made ten and they’re lovely, just want to find the right places for them.

My sister loves hers and it looks lovely in her room. It was actually the largest one I’d made (she had first choice) and I’m now going to make some larger ones as well. To be honest I think a couple of them would be beautiful in the beach house she shares with her husband and their two gorgeous girls.

Another one of my friends is in the process of renovating her home and I have the wall in her stairwell in mind for a really large ocean inspired artwork that I’m itching to get started on.

And Mum has an order in for one as well …. It’s a good thing I work with driftwood, shells, sea glass and other lovely gifts from nature, maybe I should give the jewellery a rest for a while!

Dream Catchers – their origin (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher)

The Ojibwe people have an ancient legend about the origin of the dreamcatcher. Storytellers speak of the Spider Woman, known as Asibikaashi; she took care of the children and the people on the land. Eventually, the Ojibwe Nation spread to the corners of North America and it became difficult for Asibikaashi to reach all the children. So the mothers and grandmothers would weave magical webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants. The dreamcatchers would filter out all bad dreams and only allow good thoughts to enter our mind. Once the sun rises, all bad dreams just disappear.

Understandably, these small tokens would make a thoughtful gift for a new family member and I can make them in pink and blue as well as other lovely colours.

 

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[Sterling Silver]

I’ve been using sterling silver in my jewellery for many years and although I’m very familiar with the material I haven’t really been that knowledgeable. Well, I thought it would be a good idea to educate myself (and you if you’re interested) in what Sterling Silver is and why it’s such a popular part of our culture. This is of course just a tiny morsel of the shiny stuff.

Sterling silver is an alloy (mixture) of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals including copper, germanium, zinc and/or platinum. Generally copper is alloyed with pure silver to strengthen and retain the beauty of the metal as it is too soft or malleable to use on its own. This is why you will find sterling silver products marked with the stamp 925.

There are a number of explanations for the name and mixture, however it originated in Europe and was subject to assay prior to 1158 during the reign of Henry II.

In Colonial America silversmiths primarily used sterling silver and made objects for the ‘New World’ which included buckets, buckles and coffee pots. American revolutionary Paul Revere used a silver rolling mill from England as he was regarded as one of the best silversmiths in this age. His wealth came from producing flatware (cutlery) and other milled products and his contemporaries followed suit, which saw the silversmithing occupation disappear.

There is evidence of sterling silver being used in medical instruments in Egypt and Rome in the Hellenistic-era which continued until the 20th Century when more affordable materials were substituted. Flutes and saxophones were also made from sterling silver due to the makers believing the instruments sounded more resonant and colourful in timbre.

The top six mines producing silver are in Australia, Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Poland and Mexico which is interesting as most of these countries are in the Southern Hemisphere. Chile, Argentina and Canada are also anticipating high production in the coming years.

To be honest I’ve fallen in love with sterling silver. I love using this as a shiny new metal, however I am intrigued by its beauty and the history of its antiques. To imagine sterling silver buckets being used back in the “New World” …. well, I want one. Actually, I want the saxophone!

Much love, Fi

The Collection: https://www.facebook.com/FiDesignJewellery

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterling_silver