The School:: Paper Art with James Gordon

My sisters and I signed up to do James Gordon's paper art class at The School.

Last night we had such fun. SUCH FUN! Hot diggety. 

I don't remember the last time I've had such fun - so many good belly laughs. And being roused on by our uber talented and hilarious teacher.

And Megan Morton encouraged our naughtiness. 

James creates the most exquisite pieces from paper. He's amazing, and after last night's class, I've realised just how bloody extraordinary his talent is. My bugs looked NOTHING like his bugs, and despite the fact I think I was worst in the class, it didn't matter because he told us to embrace our insects for their uniqueness. 

We met so many great people, had a sneak peek at the set up for the Horse's Birthday Fete (on today and tomorrow 10-4pm), and just laughed. 

If you get the opportunity to do a class at The School, I say take it. 

Since reading The Happiness Project, I've decided to do things that make me feel happy, set things that I can look forward to - and laugh. 

You can follow James on Instagram for a look into his inspiring paper world (and his too-cute dog, Bob). 

Yo Mama! An Interview With Megan Morton

Anyone who knows or meets Megan Morton will be struck by her creativity. It's a no-brainer. She's incredibly talented, and makes styling look so effortless. You sit there wondering - well how the heck did she just do that. No amount of note-taking, mimicry, plumping of cushions or smoke and mirrors can ever give you that knack. She just does it. And she's so darn good at it. 

So she's talented - ridiculously so. Yes. But she's also super duper down-to-earth, and the moment you meet her, that authentic smile, those sparkly eyes? Well you'll feel right at home. Plus she's so damn funny it hurts. 

A ball of energy, someone who is constantly doing and making awesome (make sure you check out The School - so many great classes to take this summer), Megan's just launched her second book 'Things I Love' - which is choc full of incredible homes, funny stories, and an abundance of generous tips. If you haven't checked it out already, you definitely should - put it on your Christmas list. It's inspiring and a book you'll just keep diving into - a real visual feast.

She's a top bird. 

Without further ado, I am chuffed to have Megan Morton on PottyMouthMama today. 

PMM: Megan Morton. Stylist. Author. Mother. Wife. Where did you start? 

MM: At the Dolly magazine desk. I have had an unorthodox and thrilling path but you need to come to my styling masterclass so I can share with you in person! Basically my whole working life I have really jumped in full throttle and maximized it. Generally though, realizing how cliche this could sound, I actually really do enjoy working so much.

You have three children - how do you manage the juggle of work VS family?

Its never easy and I change my strategy weekly, sometimes daily. But I have worked for myself since our daughter was born so I have actually probably been at home with them more than if I was in an employee situation. My children are 13, 12 and 3 so some very intense times with the struggle for balance and some extremely lovely times. 

There are so many facets of your job - what's the best bit?

The instagramming! And I am not joking. (@Megan_Morton) Instagramming to me is like cave woman styling, it's a really wonderful tool to get your stylist head on as well as see the perspective of so many others. 

Are there any low points? 

Of course. But we all know what they are - tiredness, exhaustion et al.

I find after a long day at work I can be a bit grumpy at home. I'm not proud! After a long day shooting, how do you muster some energy before you go home and face the family?  

I sit in my car and get a good song on and have a minutes eye closed. My family don't make me do the work I do and I could turn it down a notch but I choose this way to spend my day. We run our house very tight but loose (those who do the same will know what I am talking about!) so I try my hardest when I come home to be in a good head space. If I have had a bad day there is no point in having a bad evening as well. 

Do you ever take time out for yourself? What do you get up to that you find re-energising?

I go to the library. It's where I get lots of thinking done. Like most suburban libraries mine is over resourced yet under serviced and it's where I sat for days on end writing the styling Masterclass curriculums. 

What's next on Megan Morton's dance card?

I have a really strong idea for my next book, so I'd like to take some time out and bed that down. And I would like to try my hand at some products for those who approach home the same way as me. Oh and The School - I want to take this magical unicorn thing that is the school to as many people and places as possible! It's amazing what a class at the school can ignite. I've seen it - it's mind blowing stuff. 

• Megan's book 'Things I Love' is published by Penguin and available in good bookstores or here.
• Check out The School timetable for information on what's coming up soon (great Christmas gift ideas - take a friend!). 
• You can buy Megan's first book 'Home Love' here. 

This is the third interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

Things I Love and Making With The Smalls At The School

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Megan Morton's brand spanking new book 'Things I Love'. It's beautiful, and if you don't already own a copy - get your mitts on one, Christmas list it, buy it as a gift for yourself, whatever it takes - just get one. It's sheer brilliance.

Full of beautiful homes - and even more beautiful inspiration, and ideas-a-plenty Megan once again trumps it with her own brand of beautiful. There's a lot to love.

And on the night itself, she was glowing.

 Absolutely take it from me, and put it on your Christmas - or treat yourself. You can buy 'Things I Love' here.
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I took the smalls to make God's Eyes with Little Nicki at The School on Saturday. Megan met us at the door, and was doing her thing, charming the pants off anyone who came in.

The Doctor hears me talking about Megan quite frequently, so knew meeting her was kind of a big deal. He was SO cute and chuffed to be talking to her.

We spent such a lovely morning sitting together creating amidst a sea of coloured wool. It was such fun. 

If you've thought about doing one of Megan's classes - do. It's such a rare treat to sit and make. And for me, it was so good for me (and no doubt my smalls) to sit with them and not have any other distractions (other than the need to Instagram what they were doing every now and then) - and be.

Check out the timetable here for The School.

Flower Bombing The School

Yesterday I had the great fortune of being invited to the debut of Megan Morton's piece de resistance: The School.


Let me start off with the admin side of things. Firstly, I sat across from the beautiful Jody - who I met about 10 years ago, through an ex-boyfriend. I am one of those people that HAS to tell someone I have met them before - and make myself incredibly embarrassed in the meantime. So I told her, and then I got nervous rash all over my face and could feel my cheeks burning for what felt like the longest time. 


Then we sat down to watch a short video - and my jaw dropped when I saw another of my ex boyfriends guest-starring.


Really?


I should have probably done a circuit of the tables to check if any other links to exes were lurking. Any hidden cameras? Was I being Punk'd and they were going to drop an ex through the skylight next? Crumbs. 


Totes awkes.
I really wanted to crawl away at this point.


But once that was out of the way? We went to town making flower bombs - with great aplomb. Under the direction of the effervescent Holly Hipwell, with a glass of rose in one hand, and a pair of scissors, some carnations and some oasis in the other. My goodness it was a hoot!


And so it was that I found myself, amidst 32 other people, making flower bombs, under the watchful eye of Megan Morton and Holly Hipwell. (gosh I love the alliteration of those names). 


The School website is open for business from today. Sign up and check out the school holiday classes. Rad to the max. 


Read more about Holly Hipwell's hottness for hydrangeas (and other flowers) here.