All Kinds of Wonderful

The Knitty Gritty

2012-02-28T11:31:00.000Z

Hi today I have a bit of knitting to share. When I saw the cowl pattern in the latest Mollie Makes I wanted to start knitting right away. However reading through the pattern I saw that it used a provisional cast on and a three needle cast off. What? I am in no way an expert knitter and I hadn't attempted either of those things before.

But I was willing to give it a try and after a bit of investigation on You Tube it all became a bit clearer. Using super chunky yarn it knitted up quickly and didn't require much concentration and in no time at all I found I'd finished.

It's typical that I finish it just as the weather seems to have got milder but I can see that it might be good draped around the shoulders for cool summer evenings sitting outside.

I found some fairly inexpensive yarn to knit my cowl, Serenity by Wendy which is around £3.00-£3.50 a ball and I used 3. Of course if you don't want to double wrap your cowl you could use less. Serenity is a super chunky yarn and is made up of 10% wool, 20% alpaca and 70% acrylic and knitted on 10mm needles. Knitted up in this double seed stitch it gives a lovely texture, I may just knit another because as my friend Sonja says you can't have too many cowls :-)

The baby quilt finished, sweet dreams

2012-02-22T20:28:00.000Z

Hi, yep I finished the baby quilt and I can't help but feel pretty pleased.

When I rashly said I would make a quilt for a new arrival I didn't really have any ideas about how I was going to set about doing it. Then I remembered that Jenna at SewHappyGeek had posted a tutorial for a sweet baby quilt.

I had decided on a bright mix of colours with white for the quilt front and for the backing I chose some spotty fabric to tie in with some of the other fabrics I used. Stippling the whole quilt was a bit tricky and I think I should have made my pattern more open but it was all a learning experience.

I'm sure the new baby won't notice the imperfections snuggled up having a nap.

I'm linking up to Manic Monday Linky Party - Thanks for the tutorial Jenna

Lucky Me

2012-02-17T13:16:00.000Z

Hi have you discovered Lucky Jackson and her 365 Lucky Days project? Today is day 148 so I apologise right now for not mentioning it sooner. But today I have a good reason to because I have admired these amazing pieces of stitching for 148 days and just recently Lucky has made some of her embroidery patterns available to buy. My finger hit that 'buy' button straightaway, well once I'd dithered over which one.

In the end I went for Vintage Dress Love.

Do you remember the Skirt I recycled? That's what made up my mind in the end as I thought I'd make something for my Mum as it was her skirt from the 70s that I cut up. To colour the shoes I carefully coloured them with promarkers.

I may well be visting the shop again to buy Polaroid Love and Boot Love

Before I go I thought I'd share a couple of my favourite pieces from the Lucky 365 days project.

Source: 365luckydays.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Blondie from Bombshell Week

Source: 365luckydays.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Batboy

Aren't you impressed that one of these masterpieces appears every single day?

I am.

I Heart.......

2012-02-13T17:21:00.000Z

Hi I'm not sure if it's because Valentines Day is nearly upon us but hearts seem to feature in quite alot of my recent sewing.

Like this heart block. Another common feature seems to be a red and pink combination, I just love it. Then the heart block led on to a mini (really mini) quilt for a project I've had on my mind for ages but more on that another time.

It measures just 8" square and I added some circular free motion quilting in addition to the stippling.

And finally............ this is going to be a cushion cover. I hand stamped the Roxy Music song track with some Versacraft ink and used handstitching to quilt and look, that red and pink combination again. Told you I loved it!

There is sunshine in my heart

2012-02-05T13:34:00.000Z

Hi. Today I'm feeling a little hard done by. I should by here at Bluewater at the Creative Stitches and Hobby Crafts show oohing and ahhing at pretty fabrics and lusting after scrapbook supplies. Instead I'm not, I'm at home in the snow.

So, I'm trying to look on the bright side and joining Julie in her Month of Sunrays and created my own bit of sunshine.

You see I already have pretty fabrics and scrapbook supplies.....

......some more would have been nice though!

Cheerio - That's all for today from this little ray of sunshine.

My Month In Numbers - January

2012-02-01T13:01:00.000Z

Hi are you taking part in Julie's My Month In Numbers? Squeezing just into February here are my January numbers.

2 - In January my blog celebrated it's 2 year birthday

7.99 - The extortionate amount I was charged for the delivery of my new phone that I ended up collecting myself.

2000 - The number of nectar points exchanged to spend at Amazon. Tilda's Winter Ideas already here and Zakka Style on it's way (hopefully).

-0.50 - The amount my eyesight has improved since my last eye test. Apparently if you are short sighted as you get older your eyesight can improve. Not all is lost then!

9088 - The pattern number of the Simplicity retro 70's dress pattern I bought. Coming along nicely.

If you would like to take part or want to know or get some tips on how to collect your numbers visit Julie at Notes on Paper I'm sure she'd love to see you and your numbers.

Another day, another bag

2012-01-29T19:23:00.000Z

Hi. I've made yet another bag but I just couldn't resist.

It's from the latest copy of Mollie Makes from a pattern by Little Tea Wagon. I don't feel too guilty for making another bag as I used up some offcuts and didn't buy anything new.

In fact this is the second bag I've made from the vintage yellow fabric (yep old curtain) as I have a well loved swing bag made from it too.

This bag has some miles under it's belt as I've taken it on holiday every year since I made it.
Being fabric it makes the perfect beach bag as you can throw it in washing machine when you get home.
Anyway back to the new bag......

I added a few extra pockets on the inside as I can never find my keys so I have room for my phone, house keys and car keys. Even the lining was an offcut I picked it up for 45p.

I had a mini hexagon flower all ready to applique as well as the butterfly and I'd had the denim 'ruler' ribbon tape for ages but I was brave and snipped it. The lace trim had been taken from a linen tablecloth and I bought a whole length of it. I'd been wanting to use it for while but couldn't find the right project. The same went for the East of India label 'Sewing Mends the Soul' but I was happy to sacrifice it as the last finishing touch to the pocket.

If you fancy a go at making your own messenger bag run to the shop and pick up a copy of Mollie Makes or failing that Little Tea Wagon has some very nice ones in her Etsy Shop

A New Pillowcase = A Fabric Album

2012-01-23T08:00:00.001Z

I recently bought some new pillowcases and when I unpacked them out fell some cardboard packaging from inside. It looked just like the cover of an album. So I remembered not to leave it out so it was safe from the recycling bin.

Then an idea began to form of how I could put to good use some of my new found quilting techniques and make a fabric cover.

I pieced together some of my favourite scraps and included a tiny crocheted doily that I found along with some decorative scissors and buttons.

The rear view

Rather than using machine quilting I handstitched all the panels and added some ribbon and felt flower details.

Inside I attached a strip of card reinforced with some washi tape with holes punched where I could thread the book rings through. It was a bit tricky but I got there eventually. The cardboard 'album' simply slips into the pockets on either side.

I'm going to use this album to record my sewing projects completed in 2012.

I realise now I should have shown you how the album started life but I did buy a new sheet at the same time so there could be an album number 2.

Somewhere over the rainbow.......

2012-01-21T18:10:00.000Z

......lay a brilliant binding tutorial at Crazy Mom Quilts. This was the bit I'd been dreading but by using this tutorial it all became a little easier and no where as bad as I'd imagined.

I used this tutorial for a colourblock mug rug to help me create this mini rainbow and practice some binding and of course use more scraps.

News update on the progress of the baby quilt:
I've gone for free motion quilting, not sure I like it but it's too late now!

My New Love

2012-01-17T12:23:00.000Z

Today I have a layout to share dedicated to my new love. You've probably guessed, my new sewing machine.

It also gave me the perfect opportunity to use a White Stuff label that I'd saved. You know, one of those 'I've just got to save this' things that you put away and can't bear to throw out. It was probably more luck than judgement that I found it again but I'm glad I did.

Come on look at those sweet buttons. Admit it you wouldn't have thrown it away either would you?

See you soon with another recycled project.

By the way I seem to be experiencing problems commenting again on blogger anyone else had the same? Sometimes I can't scroll through posts either but I am still visiting and leaving comments where I can. I'm hoping it's just one of those glitches that resolves itself soon.

Scrap and Quilt

2012-01-12T13:28:00.000Z

Hi. I'm back with my next learning experience in quilt making. With my quilt top finished I now have to move on to quilting and binding but before I ventured to try this on the baby quilt I'm making I wanted to make sure I could master both techniques or at least have some idea about what I was doing.

So a quick scout around Pinterest and I came up with some very helpful advice and tutorials. As always I got a little distracted but it was all good.

Source: ohfransson.com via Amanda on Pinterest

This brilliant tutorial allowed me to use up yet more scraps and inspired me to find out about the stippling free motion technique used for the quilting which I found here at Oh Fransson. Some really great instructions which helped me to make this mini quilt.

I really love the process of piecing together all the scraps although mine are a more regular layout to those in the mosaic tutorial. I made a scrappy block too.

These would be great as cushion covers or blocks made into a quilt....so many ideas.

Things I've learn about quilting:

Make sure you have a good supply of thread. It's suprising just how much you use.
Quilting the baby quilt is going to be hard work.
I understand now why I saw weird photos of people with rubber gloves on when machine quilting. It's to help grip the fabric when sewing and allows you to move it about under the needle easier. I haven't done this by the way!

Next time I'll share what I've learnt about binding.

2012-01-09T10:10:00.000Z

I'm back with a bit more sewing. Over the Christmas break I hunted out some small projects that I could sew using my new quilting attachments for a bit of practice. It's been addictive fun.

I made the fabric book bag from the latest edition of Mollie Makes and knitted up a bookmark to go with it from a free pattern by Tricksy Knitter. Great for holidays don't you think?

Looking at my fabric I decided I had lots of scraps and after I made the cathedral window pincushion wondered what else I could make from them. After a bit of searching I came across ticker tape quilting. What a great idea, being able to use up all those little bits that I thought might just come in handy and tiny bits of my favourite fabrics that I couldn't bear to throw away.

Of course it also gave me an opportunity to use my new walking foot.....

....... and brought out the scrapbooker in me it was just like creating a new layout. Add a photo and some journalling and it could be. These scraps are sewn onto a background fabric and batting sandwich. The unfinished edges of the scraps give it quite a rustic look but all that sewing was quite relaxing and I tried not to worry if one ended up in not quite the right place or a little wonky. I also found another fantastic technique for using scraps but more on that another day.

This new enthusiasm for quilting has also seen me agreeing to make a baby quilt. So far so good. Deciding on fabric was hard, so many choices.

These are my rows all pieced together awaiting pressing. Again I was able to use fabric that I'd kept just waiting for that right project. See the fabric with the washing line? I made a teddy out of that for a friend who was having a baby. That baby is now 14! Me a hoarder?

Anyway, I've now got my quilt top finished and ready to move onto the next step, tricky quilting and binding but things I've learnt so far:

Piecing together with a 1/4" seam foot saves so much time and frustration
Always press the seams
Careful planning and calculation help in the long run
It looks like using white as a background or sashing could be my style
Using a rotary cutter is essential

I'll keep you updated on my quilting progress

A new year and a new machine

2012-01-06T19:43:00.000Z

Hi and Happy New Year. I was very lucky to find that Father Christmas delivered a new sewing machine to me for Christmas which came complete with a kit of quilting attachments. Just what I wanted.

It can also do free motion stitching which I've been wanting to try for ages. Unfortunately my old machine couldn't do that but I still managed to put it to good use in the run up to Christmas.

So - New Year, new sewing machine I thought maybe I should have a new pincushion too. I took a look at my Sew Perfect board on Pinterest to see what inspiration I could find and here's what I came up with.

Source: gogokim.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

The perfect project to practice with and getting used to sewing with a machine without using the foot pedal has taken plenty.

I've really enjoyed making these and although the linen one is my favourite the multicoloured one is good for using up scraps. I've made whole cushion covers made up of these cathedral windows before but being handstitched took a lot longer than running one up on the sewing machine.

If you fancy making one of your own or are just intrigued as to how they are made take a look at the link below the first photo to visit the tutorial.

I'll be back soon with something for the book lover and an idea for using up more scraps.

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-22T12:01:00.000Z

Hi, it's been a while I know. December (and most of November!) seems to have passed in a flurry of crafty activity which left no time for visiting blogland. I've missed it for sure but sometimes you have to spend a bit of time actually 'doing' rather than 'perusing', sad but true.

I didn't have much time for photographing either but here are a few photos of some of the things I created in a frenzy of stitching, gluing and knitting.

And you know it hasn't ended yet I have one or two projects to finish and I have plans to find time to fit in making Christmas Panna Cotta, Egg Nog, and Christmas Biscuits and I might even manage to squeeze in some Last Minute Christmas Chutney

So I'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Creative New Year. I've made some brilliant friendships in blogland and made lots of interesting discoveries (especially Pinterest!) so here's to lots more in 2012.

The Holly and The .........

2011-11-16T12:20:00.000Z

Hi. Today I thought I'd share some very simple and quick instructions to make some holly leaves. Now I know some of you are not thinking about Christmas just yet it's just that I am trying to get organised and have many projects in the making. To be honest you could use the instructions to make any sort of leaf you like.

So you will need.....

A leaf template to draw around (or you can go freestyle), some strong thin double sided tape, some glue, book pages or any type of paper you fancy using and some thin floristry wire.

For each leaf you will need to cut out two identical shapes. Secure a bit of tape down the centre of the leaf shape and fix your wire on top. Glue the second leaf on top with the wire sandwiched in the middle.

You can then ink them, add glitter, doodle around the edges or whatever takes your fancy. You could even make them out of felt or fabric. They would be great for Christmas journals or layouts, Christmas cards and 3D projects.

In my stash I found some small flat back red pearls perfect for berries and as they are wired you shape them however you want. So now I have some holly ready to go.

Cloth

2011-11-10T11:54:00.000Z

Have you discovered Cloth magazine? I hadn't until the weekend and believe me I really don't need to discover another but I'm glad I did.

Inside I found a great bag project. The one in the magazine had been made from an old tweed coat and the lining reused as the lining for the bag and a scarf for the handle.

Which got me thinking......

....and after a rummage in my fabric pile I made one. I feel very pleased with myself that I didn't buy anything new and in fact the fabric was either reused or an offcut. The scarf may be a temporary addition I quite like it but I'm going to keep my eyes open for a better suited one. That's the beauty of this bag you can change the scarf handle to suit your mood or outfit.

And when I came to photograph my bag I realised that the lining was a pretty good match to my hall wallpaper. Both are a William Morris print, the lining is a repurposed piece of Chrysanthemum Minor by Sanderson.

Now that I have a new bag I'm glad I made that discovery.

Preserves, Twigs and Owls

2011-11-06T13:00:00.003Z

A few weeks back I was lucky enough to win a limited edition seasonal distress ink set. I forgot all about it until a parcel dropped though my letterbox and I ripped open the packaging. I ripped right through the label (oops) it's one of the Tim Holtz Fall 2011 sets.

The colours are very rich, I inked up some circles of white cardstock in Ripe Persimmon, Seedless Preserves and Gathered Twigs to try and demonstrate.

Around the same time I had a birthday card to make so I put them to good use and inked up some card and turned it into a owl perched on a branch using a template from Craftwork Cards. The centre of the owl eyes and the flowers are some of their card candi popped on some foam pads.

The template was also good for a bit of doodling on the back of the envelope which I hope will put a smile on my friend's face.

Which brings me last but not least to another owl cushion. In fact the whole reason I wanted to create one was because my friend pointed one out while we were out together and I made a mental note to try and create one for her - for her birthday. So he is the original :-)

Pretty Paper Party - Collaged Background

2011-11-03T20:40:00.000Z

Today I'm taking inspiration from a combination of things from Shimelle's prompts, paper scraps collaged into a colourful background, a splash of paint and some pretty handmade embellishments.....plus a bit of doodling that I just couldn't resist.

Even if I don't do another thing I'm happy to have kickstarted some creative scrapbooking and every time I look at this layout it will put a smile on my face.

Pretty Paper Party - Paper Pieced Patchwork

2011-10-31T08:00:00.001Z

As you can see it's all the 'Ps' here today. I had great fun piecing this layout together. It involved a lot of cutting and sticking but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. A great way to use some of your favourite patterned paper.

Crunchy outside, soft inside, the treats cats crave

One of my cats, Purdey goes absolutely mad for her favourite cat treats. I'm beginning to think they have something everso slightly addictive in them. She's developed quite a habit and turns into the most demanding cat if she thinks there is even a sniff of a Dreamie snack. In fact she only has to see you in the kitchen and she thinks it's Dreamie time. Oh what have I started?

I don't know why I suddenly thought about it but I remembered how when I young there was a craze for shrinking empty crisp packets. You might not be aware of it, I know Mr P looked like I was mad when I asked him about it. I'd just thrown away an empty packet, it came free with something else, just a little freebie to get your cat hooked. I hoped I might be able to shrink it small enough to make a embellishment and luckily it worked.

If you would like a template to make the perfect sized hexagons for a layout or card let me know and I'll happily send you one.

.......now to venture into the kitchen.

Pretty Paper Party - Strips and Scraps

2011-10-29T17:26:00.000+01:00

I'm still partying and look I have another layout completed. I've wanted to scrap this photo for ages as I love the colours of the hydrangeas. It was taken in the Garden Cafe on a visit to the V&A.

I'm feeling good about not using new supplies and pleased to be showing off some favourite paper, although I still have quite a few sheets of the Noteworthy design. I know, I'm guilty of panic buying. Please tell me you've done the same.

I'm not entirely happy with this layout and I can't decide if I should add some stalks (stitched maybe?) to the flowers on the righthand side or if I should leave it as it is. They look like they're floating to me and need to be anchored.

I'll stop fretting about it for now and just feel satisfied that I've done some scrapping.

Pretty Paper Party - On the Edge

2011-10-27T21:02:00.000+01:00

Hi as you can see I've been partying. I haven't followed all the prompts and certainly not in order but the idea of signing up to Shimelle's class is to get me scrapping and using up paper and that's what I've done.

This prompt was all about including different edges on your layout, maybe using something you don't usually or a bit of a different style. I am a fan of distressing so roughing up the edges of some co-ordination cardstock didn't worry me and I picked out some scallop offcuts I had in my scrap box and even stuck some to another square of paper to make another layer.

I have a stack of scalloped 8x8 and it felt very good to actually use one up. And yes that is purple, it suprised me but it looked perfect as the cliff top flowers in the photo are a shade of purple and as I went through different options from my stack it definitely looked the best suited.

Using what I have and not trying to match everything has definitely brought about some different colour combinations. I hope to share my next layout soon.

Seasonal Crafting

2011-10-23T15:40:00.000+01:00

Hi. I just love this time of year, cooking up warming treats to eat, waiting for that first delivery of logs, getting cosy in knitwear and being able to wear boots again. It's also made me want to knit.

I knitted these from a pattern here at creative yarn and I will soon be adding some to my shop. I couldn't resist these fabulous colours in Louisa Harding Kashmir, some gorgeous greens and blues.

I've also squeezed in some sewing by stitching an owl cushion.

After sketching out what I wanted my finished owl to look like I made my own paper pattern and here he is in more Autumn inspired colours.

Do you love Autumn too? I'd love to hear if the season has inspired any of your crafting.

Colour Inspiration

2011-10-16T12:28:00.000+01:00

Inspired by this......

Source: design-seeds.com via Amanda on Pinterest

and this.......

Source: flickr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I made these.........

Two down only another......loads to go.

If you love colour then you'll love Design-Seeds a site dedicated to colour with loads of palette inspiration.

A Sketch Recipe

2011-10-09T16:18:00.000+01:00

Hi. Do you remember the cupcakes I baked recently? Well I thought I'd record the moment and dedicate a bit of scrapping to them using sketch 10.6 from Sketchy Thursdays. I had planned to scrap them before now but the printer run out of ink. How did I let that happen?

I've only recently bought some baker's twine and I love the combination of the red and white with a bit of blue. I think that will be appearing in future Christmas cards. I used some of the cupcake papers (clean and unused!) to back my journaling block and folded some more peeking out from under one of the photos and to form a flower under the button.

I'm enjoying the challenge of sorting through my stash and using it up rather than buying new so if you spot any really old supplies that's the reason why. I'm not saying I won't be tempted to buy new but I can try!

Stitched and Ready To Go

2011-10-08T16:57:00.000+01:00

Hi, how is the Autumn weather treating you? Here it's very much cooler but then I suppose that is to be expected it is October afterall. It's just a bit of a shock after last weeks scorching temperatures.

As the weather hasn't been great I've spent some time giving my website a much needed facelift and updating my online shop. I've been giving some serious thought to doing a craft fair but nothing is quite as easy as it first seems so for the time being I'm sticking with my online shop. Here are a few of my recent makes which are now available to buy and I'm currently offering free UK postage.

As you can see from the photos my decorated pebbles make great props, just the thing for displaying a ring.

For those of you wondering what I'm knitting from my last post yep, it is a scarf from a great free pattern I found on Ravelry called the Gathered Scarf. The pattern is really easy and it knits up quickly too. I'm using some Wendy merino wool which is a pure ultra soft DK. It should soon be finished so I'll show you how it turns out.

It's T(hat) Time of Year

2011-10-06T14:09:00.000+01:00

Yep, it's time for the Big Knit. It kind of snuck up on me this year and I almost missed it. Luckily I realised just in time to get a few hats knitted up ready to be sent off before the deadline next week.

If you shop in either Boots or Sainsburys then you might spot a few of these behatted bottles over the coming few weeks. For every bottle sold the very generous Innocent Drinks people will donate 25p to Age UK. (From 2nd November in Sainsburys and 9th November in Boots). This year they aim to raise £1 million.

Also on my needles......

It must be the arrival of Autumn that's prompted the flurry of knitting.

All of a Swirl

2011-09-28T14:09:00.000+01:00

This week saw me make my very first cupcakes with piped buttercream. Whilst I make muffins and cupcakes I'd never felt the need to actually pipe the buttercream before but I keep seeing all these wonderful creations, yes on Pinterest, so I thought I might just give it a go.

They're definitely not perfect (they are meant to be like roses) but I'm pleased with my first attempt. I have some very pretty floral paper cases so now I'm thinking..........mauve buttercream. Yes I could get carried away and end up with more cupcakes than I should be eating.

Source: glorioustreats.blogspot.com via Rachael on Pinterest

Do you like my photo mosaic? The template came courtesy of Pugly Pixel. With thanks to Sian and her recent better blogging post for pointing out the site it's very useful.

It Took Just One Trip

2011-09-23T13:40:00.000+01:00

No, don't worry knee recovery has taken a step back. Today I'm lamenting the sad demise of my favourite sandals.

One day last month the phone started ringing and as I rushed to get to it before it stopped I caught my foot on a wooden floorboard and well, that was that. One pair of totally wrecked ~~sandals~~ - favourite sandals! You might think I'm being a bit melodramatic here but I loved those sandals and they were always the first pair put in my suitcase ready for holiday, the first pair to welcome the the warmer weather, the last pair I braved the chillier Autumn weather for. Not any more.

I spotted this sketch on Sketchy Thursdays and it really appealed to me and you can see how much I loved my sandals as I have a photo of them on holiday, no really. I can't work out if that is being a true scrapper or a little bit bonkers?

My layout has quite a lot of white space for me and I have to resist the urge to add something. You can't see it in the photo very well but I machine stitched down the circle and where each line ends I added the punched hearts. I had some tiny stickers that were perfect saying 'wear and tear' and 'such is life'. Says it all really.

......as my journaling reads.....goodbye my old friends.

The search is now on for a replacement pair - wish me luck

A Purple Patch

2011-09-20T15:18:00.000+01:00

Hi. Are you a fan of purple? I didn't think I was until I read the first post in Julie's new autumn series - Purple Phase. She made me realise there are many more shades than just plain old purple. Not that there is anything at all wrong with plain old purple.

As I started to look around I found that I had been drawn to purple more than I thought. In the little bit of stitching I'd done to practice some embroidery stitches, made into a lavender bag. See? Lavender, more purple.

.....in the buttons and vintage cotton I'd plucked from their charity shop shelves.

And look at this lovely bit of hoop stitching that I pinned recently.

Source: tumblr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

You really don't get much more purple than that!

Blog Hopping with Miss Smith

2011-09-17T10:00:00.001+01:00

Hi. Today I'm celebrating with Miss Smith by taking part in her embellishment blog hop so if you've just arrived from Becky then - Welcome. I'm sure you've seen some wonderful projects along the way already so without further ado we'll get right to it.

I love butterflies so the handmade embellishment that I received from Kirsty could not have been more perfect. Not to mention the kraft, dotty ribbon, cute tiny label, pretty blue gingham and book pages....not forgetting the stripy paperclip.

Inspired by the butterfly I created a shaped card and added touches of blue, embossed dots and brown lace to co-ordinate.

Next, what to put the card in? A normal envelope? No, not pretty enough so I set about making my own. You may have seen lots of versions across the web of envelopes made from paper doilies.

Here's mine, simply folded. But where is the embellishment you might wonder?

It's here as the perfect finishing touch. Ok, you're not going to be able to post them via Royal Mail but who wouldn't be impressed if you handed them a pretty envelope?

If you'd like to start right at the very beginning call in at Miss Smith's or if you'd like to carry on your merry way hop on over to Mel.

Thanks for stopping by.

Like Pebbles on a Beach

2011-09-14T16:48:00.000+01:00

Hi. Sorry I haven't been around for a while I do have a proper excuse so bear with me while I catch up and get back to blogging business. Last week I had a knee operation and progress has been good but I haven't been able to do much blog visiting and commenting so I apologise I'm not ignoring you.

Anyhow, excuses out of the way I wanted to share a little project I squeezed in just before my operation. The weekend was warm and sunny so we took a visit to Deal where we ate the best fish and chips on the sea front. While looking out to sea I was dreaming up a project as unlike where I live Deal has a shingle beach not sand..........mmmmmmm pebbles.

I was humoured while I set about collecting some pebbles and even got some help with some brought for my inspection, were they the right shape, colour, size? So in return I made him a paperweight, the one decorated with the bicycle. Can you believe the Silhouette cut that! You might recognise the CK tape and yep, the tattered floral die cuts too. The other one has a bit of simple paper doily - my favourite I think. All were finished with a good coat of mod podge to protect them.

And I promised to show you a view of the messy half of my craft room, I'm ashamed to say it still looks like this but I just concentrate on the tidy bit.

.....and don't think I've forgotten the high hat too it's on my long list of things to do.

Bye for now

A Eureka Moment

2011-09-04T14:11:00.000+01:00

Hi. Yesterday while flicking through Pinterest - like you do, I came across a brilliant idea which used CD racks for storing fat quarters.

Do we still have our old one I ventured to ask? Luckily the answer was yes. So after a bit of sorting.........and wishing I'd never started I have a new addition to my craft room.

This section was the perfect size for old patterns with a bunny squeezed too.

And my Eureka moment? At last finding somewhere to store rolls of wrapping paper and using a bamboo skewer to hold them in place using the shelf placer holes to secure it.

I'm still sorting all my fabric but I'm getting there.

I love having a peek into other people's craft rooms don't you? I'll be back to show you a bit more of mine. Just don't expect it to be one of those craft rooms that's perfectly tidy!

The HAPPY Hexie

2011-08-29T15:28:00.000+01:00

Hi I'm back with more hexie love inspired by a recent comment from a blog friend (thank you so much for your suggestion). It's a project that combines many of my loves fabric, book paper, doilies, collage, hexies......

The fabric is from a small collection of Liberty prints I used many years ago to make a cathedral window cushion cover.

Making it made me happy so it seemed appropriate to include this label. In fact I enjoyed it so much I'm already in production of number two - think rainbow.

Mini Hexie Love

2011-08-23T11:36:00.000+01:00

You may have noticed how I've been a little obessed with hexies lately (No!) well imagine my delight when I found a quilt card for download on the Silhouette that was made up of hexagons. Happy.

I made a couple of cards using it (sorry no photos I forgot! bad blogger) and then started thinking how perfect it would be to use the cut outs with fabric. The size I cut out are much smaller than the 1" ones I've been using for my quilt, you can see the difference in size. They measure 5/8" which is 1.5cm. Can you believe people make whole quilts using ones this small. How would you have the patience....

......so I had a little experiment and came up with this.

a mini hexie bag charm. Think I'm going to be making more :-)

High Hat Anyone?

2011-08-21T19:52:00.000+01:00

Hi I'm back to report more on my recent finds. I've found the perfect thing for keeping all my hexies in check. A very battered vintage leather sewing case.

From the outside not very interesting but when I looked inside it was a whole different story.

A pocket to keep hexies safe, scissors safely stowed and what definitely caught my eye a metal bar that unscrews to store cotton reels. No more rolling off the table when your back is turned. To find some empty wooden reels stored inside was a real bonus and I left one as a spacer in between my more modern reels.

I also picked up this little treasure.

I had a quick flick through in the shop and had to stop myself laughing out loud. I bought it mainly because of this.

Come on hands up who wants a high hat?

I can just see one in the navy and white fabric I bought and you'll notice she has a matching dress too. No don't worry I won't but if you receive an odd shaped parcel from me for either birthday or Christmas be very afraid.........or perhaps you'd prefer a jaunty beret.

Take One Sheet....

2011-08-18T11:32:00.000+01:00

....and turn it into a vintage inspired apron.

In the shop I mentioned in one of my recent posts I discovered some really lovely vintage aprons. They had a great shape to them almost tailored. I had a vague memory of a vintage pattern I'd bought that was for a full apron so I set about finding it and adapted it to make my own pattern.

After carefully working out how much I needed to use of the sheet for my in progress quilt, I so hope I have that right, I cut out the apron pieces. There are two sections which make up the front and two smaller sections at the sides which give an a-line shape.

You might notice the hexies that I stitched around the bottom edge. They are odd ones that I wouldn't have made into flowers at least that's what I'm telling myself! The pocket is made from a crocheted doily, at last I've been brave and used one. I collect these things and then can't bring myself to use them. Stupid really.

The finishing touch is a yo-yo topped with a covered button. (There goes that glasses case, I'm steadily getting through the yo-yos I stitched for that)

Apologies for the creased look in the photo but after going to all the trouble of making it I'm determined to wear it even thought it has received some strange looks and comments around the house.

Happy creating

Like a Craft Butterfly

2011-08-15T12:41:00.000+01:00

Hi. Today I have a layout to share. I was playing with the photo booth option on the computer and thought one of the photos would be good for a layout to record my love of craft and how I seem to flit from one thing to another. At the moment I seem to love all things quilty. This morning I brought home a collection of quilting books from the library and my eyes lit up when a copy of Amy Butler, In Stitches had just been returned.

I'd seen and loved this sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. I immediately thought that one of my butterfly downloads for the Silhouette would be perfect. I used the half that I cut off as a frame for my journalling. You might also spot more of my Cath Kidston tape and one of my own printed canvas labels.

I quite liked using the sketch and I didn't spend long deliberating over which paper to use I just did it. The butterly printed card had been hanging around in my stash for ages and was the perfect match for the background paper.

With a sense of satisfaction and some scrapbooking done I can now get back to a bit of sewing.

Oh Happy Day

2011-08-11T20:10:00.000+01:00

Oh happy day could refer to the fact that I have tomorrow off work so the weekend starts here but in fact it relates to a card I made using a recent download from Silhouette.

It also features some yummy tape I bought from Cath Kidston. Yep I got way too excited when I spotted that.

It was a bit like when I first walked into a shop on Wednesday that has just opened in my area selling vintage goods. I don't think the shop assistant could get over my enthusiasm for a wooden cotton reel. In fact I was so excited I had to pay a return visit today, I'd been dreaming about this fabric.

Luckily for me it was still there today. The photo doesn't really do it justice but it's a striking navy and white combination. The piece of fabric is so large that I could probably make myself an outfit top to toe - but I'll resist that urge. I have a few smaller projects in mind.

On my first visit I picked up a plain white cotton sheet which has helped me come to a decision with making my quilt. I've opted to use plain white hexagons between my coloured flowers. After I've sewn these together my next decision is whether or not to have a plain white row in between them or to have an odd coloured hexagon thrown in. I've also downsized my original plan and I'm now making a smaller more manageable sized quilt. Of course I could change my mind again, I'll keep you posted.

Going Postal: Good Mail

2011-08-05T19:53:00.000+01:00

Hi. You know when some envelopes turn up in the post and the contents are not quite a good mail day? You know the kind - bills. Have you looked inside the envelope, beyond the dreaded bill? Well if you do you may discover something to your liking.

Remember my printed labels from my last post? I made this with the 'I Love Pinterest' one inspired by a project in the book I mentioned too.

In amongst my stash I found the perfect little pin stamp which I stamped onto some canvas. I stitched the label backed with a scrap of fabric onto the canvas. I then used a spellbinder label die as a template to trim my fabric. A bit like doodling on paper I hand stitched in black around the edge. A red felt heart, safety pin and kraft punched butterfly were added............and finally some paper flowers which I made from yes you guessed it - envelopes.

Just take a circle punch and punch out some circles. Scrunch them up (yes technical I know!) then fold over the edge to reveal the white side. You could grunge them up a bit more with ink and if you don't have a circle punch draw circles and roughly tear them out. I made some bigger flowers too with my tattered floral die.

I must have had a premonition about Julie's Going Postal series as a few weeks before she announced it I bought this journal - I haven't brought myself to write in it yet.

And thank you for all your comments about my Kindle covers they are much appreciated. If you are interested in purchasing one I will be adding some for sale soon. I shall point you in their direction when they are ready.

Bye I'm off to do a bit of pinning.

A New Month, A New Look

2011-08-01T19:41:00.001+01:00

Hi. You might have noticed a bit of a change of image. I thought it about time I tried my hand at making my own header. It seems to have taken on a sewing theme, it must be all the projects I have on the go at the moment. One of which is this.

some Kindle covers I've been developing. This one has a quilted look and I made the little canvas label myself.

I also made some more labels

I have yet another project in mind inspired by this book which is just brilliant.

Fabric, art what more can I say.

And in case you were wondering I haven't forgotten about paper I have another, yes another project in progress which I'll be back to share later in the week.

Hexie Love and a Winner

2011-07-30T12:05:00.000+01:00

I've been sucked in to a bit of a hexagon obession. It started with this....

Some yo-yos which are for a WIP glasses case. I will finish it - honest. My interest grew and so I became hooked on these. I've found so many wonderful quilting blogs while investigating what to do. Mine are 1" hexagons and the amounts involved are rather daunting but I'm seeing this as an ongoing project.

One of the blogs I found talked about a charm quilt made with hexies but in a charm quilt no fabric is repeated. That's a lot of different fabric required! So then I thought about making a rainbow style quilt in rows of colours but the whole idea of making this quilt is to use fabrics I have rather than go out and buy lots more. So to use up more of each of my fabrics I chose to sew my colours into flowers but to still try to make a rainbow effect.

Here are some of my pink collection. I still can't decide to join them all together or have them on a white background. I've also thought of a way that I could have had rows but use more then one of each fabric but I can't go back now can I ? That's one problem with a long term project I'm liable to keep changing my mind. Decisions, decisions any suggestions welcome.

Finally for today I have a winner to announce of Pass The Book.

...........Jacky I hope you enjoy it.

Going Postal: Hello and a Postcard

2011-07-28T12:26:00.000+01:00

Hi. Today I'm Going Postal for the first time. When I first read about Julie's idea for all things postal, projects, supplies anything really I immediately thought about this....

...an old postcard I found. Apart from the fact it features where I live I love the interactiveness of it. It must have appealed to the scrapper in me.

Behind the little flap are some pullout photos

There are some wonderful shots of some local bays what a shame they don't look like that now.

I did wonder how the postcard made it through the post in tact I'm not sure it would happen nowadays but sent it was by Doreen on 23 August 1951 to a Mrs Gody in Bath. There was no message to accompany the postcard only these strict instructions:

Only name and Address of Sender allowed

If any other writing, Letter Postage is required

It seems that it was a printed paper mailing novelty and the shape was passed by the G.P.O for printed paper rate. Who knew? And just in case you couldn't work it out there is a handy tip 'To Open Raise Flap'.

I certainly don't send postcards but I do send cards - Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, Wedding, Get Well..........and cards just to say, Hello. In her latest Going Postal blog post Julie shares some general greetings cards featuring one of her favourite greeting stamps so I thought I'd share mine too.

A simple Hello.

If you would like some inspiration for making your own greetings cards don't forget that tomorrow I will be making the draw for the next recipient of the Cardmaker's Sketch Book. If you would like to be in with a chance please leave me a comment on this post. Thank you :-)

Pass the Book

2011-07-21T12:27:00.000+01:00

Hi. In between hexie cutting and perusing Pinterest I seem to have been missing for a while but I'm back and I have a job to do so without further a do let me introduce you to Pass the Book. Of course you may already be familiar with Pass the Book and may even have been lucky enough to have been a recipient of one of the books on offer in Sian's book chain at From High In The Sky.

I was lucky to receive this book....

.........Card Maker's Sketch Book

It's full of sketches for all type of design of card, DL, square, A6. So if you are new to card making and want to learn more or already make cards and want some inspiration it's full of ideas. Over 200 in fact. Before I pass it on I've made some sketches of my favourite designs from the book on index cards and plan to make them into a mini book so I might find them again when I'm lacking some inspiration.

Here are a couple of cards made with my favorite designs.

Thank you card sent to Sian

Birthday card for a friend

So if you would like to be the next custodian of the Card Maker's Sketch Book leave me a comment and I'll make a random draw next Friday 29th July.

Please be sure to read all about Pass The Book and check out the details here.

Pretty and Practical?

2011-07-04T18:43:00.000+01:00

Hi it's July already can you believe it? I've had a busy week but found a bit of time for sewing some fabric coasters. The perfect small project.

I'd been thinking of making some for a while and then last week Jenna of SewHappyGeek posted a brilliant tutorial so I gave it a go. A great way of using the countless scraps I seemed to have collected and a great way to practice a bit of quilting. They didn't need to be perfect and I could say that they are skew-whiff on purpose, just a bit of creativeness :-)

Here's the other side

I'm not sure they will practical but they look pretty. They would make a lovely gift tied up together with a bit of pretty ribbon.

Vintage Recyling

2011-06-26T10:22:00.000+01:00

Recently my Mum's been having a clearout and she came across this skirt.

She had been keeping it for many (many!) years to recycle into a patchwork project. Unfortunately it never materialised so she reluctantly passed it to me. I had scecretly hoped that maybe one day she would get bored with moving it from one place to another and donate it to me.

Although it was a long time ago I do remember my Mum wearing this skirt, so what to do with something that to me is precious. At first I didn't want to take the first snip but as I've got over the whole ripping, sticking, cutting books thing it wasn't too hard to overcome. Once I'd taken the frill off I realised that it could be the perfect size for making a scrappy cushion. There is enough that I could make one for my Mum too. But what about the rest?

Well if any of you follow the wonderful Effie at EfemeraInk you'll have seen the beautiful shoes she made recently. Perfect. But how could I display them? Then I remembered the 12x12 box frame I'd bought but it turned out to be not nearly deep enough so I had to think of something else. What about mounting them to a canvas? So I did.

So what else do I make? I really need to try and find a photo of my Mum wearing the skirt so I can scrap it. I'm also thinking of making my Mum a crafty tote for her new craft room which prompted the big clear out. What about a journal, memories to hold new memories?

So if you have a piece of clothing, fabric or children's outground clothes that hold memories for you think about turning them in something else you can treasure and use rather than being hidden away.

I just hope my Mum approves

Pick Your Own

2011-06-24T13:10:00.000+01:00

Today saw the return to a bit of scrapping. The photo is typically not very good quality 1970s and square. I intended to keep it square after scanning and printing but it somehow came out 6x4 (ok user error). Luckily sketch #243 at Pencil Lines used a single 6x4 photo so I took advantage of this and used it as inspiration.

For the circle element I used a doily and added a piece of painted book paper at the centre so I could add my journalling. I made my own scalloped embellishment using an offcut from a watercolour pad page using the binding holes to thread some red satin ribbon through finished with a bit of paper lace sticky ribbon.

A summer memory - Scrapped.

They Were All Yellow Part II

2011-06-23T10:54:00.000+01:00

I'm back with part two of my yellow creations. I hadn't done any dressmaking sewing for a while and felt to need to make something to wear. So I hunted around my patterns and decided on a tunic. In amongst my fabric stash I couldn't find anything suitable so paid a trip to one of my favourite fabric shops where they had recently taken delivery of some lovely linens.

Hopefully the stripes are sufficiently narrow for me not to look like a walking deckchair but I thought the white and yellow looked really summery - should the weather ever turn summery again.

Being quite small, OK short, I often have trouble buying clothes with waists, darts, bustlines, necklines being in the wrong place or sleeves too long. The advantage of making your own is that you can tailor to suit your own needs. That's what I did here. The original pattern used elastic at the back and I didn't think that would be a flattering option so opted instead to add some darts and a buckle detail.

With a bit of effort I now have an original tunic that fits and was very affordable. I knew that 'O' level needlework would come in handy one day. I may make another without sleeves or in blue linen to match some trousers, OK I won't get carried away.

They were all yellow

2011-06-20T18:22:00.000+01:00

Whether it's got something to do with trying to compensate for the miserable weather we've had recently I don't know but yellow seems to have been a feature in everything I created last week and over the weekend.

It started with some lemon cupcakes

Follwed by a sunny yellow birthday card

A yellow fabric flower ring

and an art journal page

I'll be back to share more of my yellow creating soon.

Place Card Ideas

2011-06-15T13:08:00.000+01:00

This week I've been asked to make some place cards for a ruby wedding anniversay celebration. I wanted to try and make something a bit different to a traditional place card.

So I gathered some supplies........

Red tissue paper, a die cut butterfly, some circle stickers, thin florist wire, cake decorating flower stamens, a red promarker and ribbon.

And this is what I came up with.

I'm loving paper flowers and I thought it would be a good way to include a bit of 'ruby' colour. This is version one I may tweak a few things what do you think?

Vintage Finds

2011-06-14T12:06:00.000+01:00

Hi I've just come home from a bit of charity shop browsing and look what I found.

Some old books for an altered project I'm that's in the planning stage, a couple of small pretty glasses, vintage packaged bias binding and a table cloth. The whole lot cost me £6.70.

It seems a bit mean to call it just a tablecloth as it really is a work of art. Hand crocheted and pieced cotton it must have taken ages to make. I nearly didn't buy it but I'm so glad I did as it's a pretty good fit for my outside table. I don't think everyone in the household will be as excited as I am about my find though.

I now feel the need to plan a tea party. I can see another Pinterest board being set up with hours of associated browsing. At least if I do have a tea party it will have been time spent productively. I'll let you know ;-)

This Moment Canvas

2011-06-09T20:02:00.000+01:00

Hi. Crafting time has been in short supply this week. It may have something to do with Pinterest ;-)

However I did find time last weekend to do some creating with friends.

I used one of my many canvases and created a background with book paper, paint, sprays and stamps. I had no real idea about what was going to appear on my background and then I remembered the This Moment Camera I downloaded for the Silhouette.

I cut the image from plain white lightweight cardstock which looked much better after a bit of inking and stamping. By happy coincidence the camera apperture framed the sprayed dots perfectly. A bit of doodling and paper flowers were the final addition.

And if you're wondering about Pinterest I think I'm going to find it invaluable for keeping all my favourite things in one handy place. Things like the tutorial for making the napkin flowers

Source: dana-made-it.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Happy pinning

Life is about finding your own way

2011-06-02T08:00:00.002+01:00

That's a bit how I feel about my art journalling at the moment. There hasn't been too much creative thought behind my pages, no agonising over what should go where or what paint to use. Just seeing what evolves.

For this page I knew I wanted to try and include an image transfer so I used a copy of a photo of my back door. It's not perfect and it really doesn't matter. I really love the inclusions that Donna Downey uses in her inspiration journal design they offer an extra bit of interest on a page.

The lefthand side of my page uses a magazine image doodled with all the things I love about 'Home'.

Once I started to think inspiration rather than journal a creative switch flicked. The result? A page titled Love To Sew.

And finally Life Is About Finding your own way

The black paper really wasn't the best choice to use in the making of my journal but it's there and I had to make the best of it. Needless to say I've learnt my lesson and I won't be using it again.

I hope I'm not all burnt out when it comes to my art journal - we'll see.

To doodle or not to doodle

2011-05-31T11:59:00.000+01:00

Hi. In my journal post I mentioned that I'd used waste from cutting out shapes on my page but didn't actually explain how so let me put that right. If you feel nervous about doodling on a page then this idea might just help.

I created this bee by using the waste from the cut out as a template and stencilled the bee shape with some shimmering watercolour paint. When it was dry I traced the outline with a black pen.

I used the detail on the actual cutout as a guide of the other details to add to my sketch. If you don't have a digital cutter then you might own a die cut machine like the one I used to cut out these flower shapes from some grungepaper.

You can see from the paint around them that I've already used them as a stencil on another project but because the grungepaper is fairly sturdy they make a great template to draw around and that's what I did here with some doodled flowers.

Another idea for using cut out waste is to use it as a negative image as I've done here with the birds sat on a line.

I think sometimes to make the best of any cut out shape you have to get a bit creative.

This angel wing appears on a card I was asked to make but I wasn't quite sure how to feature the double wing shape. So after I'd opened up the software I got rid of the cut out parts on one side of the wing and cut it out. I added a tiny bit of glitter and folded the solid part of the wing behind the cut out part to give it a bit of dimension. Although this is on a card it would look brilliant on a journal page.

I hope I've given a few ideas I have to say I now love doodling. I'll be back soon to share some of my journal pages that I had a lot of fun creating over the weekend.

Happy Creating.

Inspiration Journal

2011-05-29T17:18:00.000+01:00

Hi. Have you seen Donna Downey's inspiration journals? I saw them for the first time while watching one of the She Had Three Hearts videos and had to go and find out more. They really appealed, paper and fabric in one journal what more could a girl want?

So imagine how pleased I was to find that the video tutorial for making one of your own was on sale. My excitement was contained just long enough to download the tutorial and within minutes I was watching the simple instructions. You don't need to be an expert sewer by any means but you do need a sewing machine and be able to wield a hammer (Darn those eyelets!)

I have certainly got my moneys worth from this green spotty fabric I bought it as an offcut and have lost count of the amount of projects I've used it for. It's a Mary Engelbreit one for Moda. The button is covered in Amy Butler fabric and the inside of the journal is natural canvas.

I used a selection of different papers for my pages which are mainly 12"x9" with some inclusions of tags, record cards, postcard.

And here is my first page.......

Inspiration: the fusion of intellectual and emotional activity which control one's creative

I've realised that once I've cut shapes out using my Silhouette the waste make brilliant templates.

If you would like to make your own inspiration journal the video workshop is currently $10 for which I paid a little over £6.

I'm hoping to add more to my inspiration journal soon.

Art Journal

2011-05-27T20:25:00.000+01:00

Whilst I'm not a die hard art journaller I do love having a dabble now and again and Christy Tomlinson's new She Had Three Hearts workshop seemed too good to miss. If you took her She Art Workshop like me you'll know what I mean. Lots of ideas, lots of techniques and generally having fun and getting messy.

Journaling reads - Sometimes it probably seems like I only wear black but I *heart* colour

This background was created using paint and the large roses are stamped with black ink with extra colour added with paint. The heart is a fabric scrap that I mod podged in place.

This page records my frustrations at finding shoes but my joy this week at actually finding some that fit. For this page I used a book page as the base and built it up with paint, an image from a magazine, stamps, canvas flowers and an offcut journaling block. I sprinkled some mica and then it occurred it was like gold dust, just like the right size shoes.

Most of my art journaling seems to be fun stuff and as the workshop moves on I'm not sure that it will be for me as I don't really do deep and meaningful. I don't know why I just don't/can't/won't.

Someone who does write such brilliant journaling is Alexa and today she has a post featuring some beautiful words and she asks the question 'is it art journaling without the art?' Well I for one think her work is art. Of me you could ask is it art journaling without the journaling? ;-)

The techniques I learnt on the She Art workshop seem to have rubbed off in other areas of creating. This is my brother's birthday card.

I bought a pad of inexpensive canvas and it's perfect for making painted backgrounds for cards.

To this one I added a twill label that I stamped with a sentiment and a canvas flower that I die cut.

......and by the way can anyone enlighten me I always want to write 'journalling' but often see it as 'journaling'. Is it because that's an American way of spelling it? It's been bugging me. I can see another art journal page coming on.

Scrappy Cushion

2011-05-22T15:45:00.000+01:00

What do you do with fabric scraps? If you're anything like me you can't bear to throw them away but what can you make from them? Is holding on to them really a practical idea? Well yes is the answer I pleased to say.

I happened upon this tutorial from Cluck Cluck Sew for a Sprocket Pillow. You need only the smallest amount of fabric to cut the pieces. You might recognise some of those above from the bags I made. They are super easy to make and the tutorial does come with the warning that they are addictive and you'll find it hard to just make the one.

Welcome to my new obsession.

I love to combine my different crafty interests together in projects so I took the idea for the cushion a step further and decorated the inexpensive white fabric with some stamped designs. I used my favourite butterfly stamp, a new Kaisercraft grid and some bunting that came free with a magazine.

To stamp my designs I used a Versacraft fabric ink pad in black. All you need to do is heat set the design using an iron - simple.

Tip - Learning from the first one I made I marked where the centre of the back piece of fabric was so that it made it much easier to centre when sewing the button in place threading through to the back.

Some more ideas........

How about transferring a favourite photo or part of it on the plain sections.

Handstamping a message or sentiment for a special gift

Adding names, dates etc

Using up fabric remnants to match a quilt

Recycling a favourite item of clothing

........Go hunt out those scraps.

A Creative Weekend

2011-05-19T21:38:00.001+01:00

Last weekend was spent here at this years Scrap-a-Mia. A full weekend (very full) of creating. There was much inking, sticking and cutting going on.

First class to get messy in was Dina Wakely's - Curly Wurlys included. A crafter needs to keep her energy levels up

I used photos from my 40th birthday last year to make a canvas bunting album

Some of Dina's fabulous stencil and mask collection. I'm on the hunt for plastic doilies now.

Snapped mid cut by Sonja during Michelle's class I think we were laughing at how tall Michelle is and how short I am :-)

Two layouts I made with Webster's Pages designed and taught by Emma Trout. I also made a cute minibook in Celine Navarro's class. She had some of her work with her and her ideas for minibooks are really different.

I can't believe that a week has nearly passed since I set off to pick Sonja up from the airport and we had a leisurely stroll along the prom in the sunshine.

Here's to blog friendships

Get Knitted

2011-05-10T20:38:00.000+01:00

So, I finally scrapped - hurray. I'd been wanting to scrap this photo for a while and I thought it would look good with my texture tuesday photo from last week. The colour scheme of pink and orange is a bit unusual and not something I would probably have chosen. The papers came in a bargain kit I picked up from.........yes you've guessed it, TK Maxx for £2.00. It also gave me a good opportunity to use some orange glittery alphas that at some point I obviously thought it was a good idea to buy. Why? I can't decide whether my layout looks bright and summery or just plain gaudy but at least it sees a return to scrapping and that can't be bad.

If you're wondering about the photo it's me aged 17, knitting while sitting under a hairdryer getting ready for a night out - like you do! And yes my hair was red and blonde I was obviously struggling against it's natural state of straight and brown to make it blonde and curly.

And please don't say I didn't warn you but my new addiction is making napkin flowers.

Now perched on my kitchen window sill.....

.............And through the round window.

The male of the household is hoping that I move on to a new addiction some time soon.

I made things

2011-05-08T16:13:00.000+01:00

So after my last post I did it - I made things.

A pretty napkin flower which fills my wooden bowl. If you love flowers and blooms and the bigger the better then go and check these beautiful ideas at Made perfect if you're planning a wedding or summer party. My flower is made using the wallflower tutorial. I can see them springing up (or should that be blooming) all over my house.

I always have cards to make and this one was inspired by a design featured in the May edition of Craft Stamper magazine using the free stamp. I'd made the background some time ago and thought it would make a good background the balloon. I think I might some more backgrounds ready to go for when I'm stuck for an idea. This one is a mixture of book pages and stamped images all torn and stuck to a cardstock square before being gessoed.

Next week I'm off to Scrap-a-mia, am I excited? Just a little bit, not least because I get to see Sonja and Michelle. Everyone gets sent a die cut shape to make into a name badge. Mine just happened to be cut from canvas ideal for the addition of felt onto which I handstitched my name and added a bit of stitching around the edge. If you're wondering what the crushed olive reference is that's the group I've been put in, just so I don't forget. I wanted to try and fit some paper flowers on and they do - just. I found some felted balls that I'd made and added some seed beads to them and finally a couple of beeswax butterflies.

This week I was enticed into buying a chipboard spools kit from 3D Jean I love all things sewing related so I have a few ideas rattling around my head of how to use them. I couldn't wait to crack them open and this is my first one. The little stamped doll is part of a larger stamp that also came from 3D Jean but sold out pretty quick. I bought the large button recently from a local shop where the shop owner said he really didn't know what people were going to do with them as when he ordered them he had no idea they would be so large. I could barely contain my excitement at finding it and am kicking myself now for only buying the one ( I need a return visit). What am I going to do with it? It's going to be a brooch.

And lastly I found this book in a local second hand bookshop.

Weirdly, or maybe not so weirdly as it was published in the 70's I think I made something from this book when I was at Junior School. It has perfect patterns (and some not so perfect very non PC) to make using felt and I am in the process of making a cat although as it's made from green felt looks a little more like Kermit at the moment. I'll let you know how it turns out I'm hoping it becomes a bit more cat like.

Get Excited

2011-05-03T11:18:00.000+01:00

It's Texture Tuesday over at Kim Klassen Cafe and this week the challenge is to use at least one texture layer added to a coffee or teacup photo.

Well, I'm a coffee kind of girl and one of my best friends gave me this cup which I thought would look great photographed together with some of my vintage cotton reels.

Soft light layer added with Portrait texture courtesy of Kim Klassen Cafe

So what are you waiting for? Get excited and make things..........

Hang Out the Bunting

2011-05-02T17:50:00.000+01:00

Hi I hope you've been enjoying all the celebrations I have :-) Bunting seems to have been everywhere and over at Chicken Soup this weeks inspiration also features bunting. I needed to make a birthday card so I thought that maybe a bit of birthday bunting was called for. It also tied in nicely with the cute Prima stamp that I wanted to use.

I hand cut and stamped all the bunting and created the sandy beach from torn coordination card.

I've also been doing a bit of sewing. Do you remember Stanley? I made him back in March and since then really enjoyed sewing with felt. I've been on the look out for more small projects to work on and there are some really wonderful creations at Nuno Life. I have attempted a couple of tiny cats and the reindeer are on my list of things to do.

Yesterday I was looking at a toymaking book I have from the 70s and all the patterns are printed on squared paper for you to scale up and transfer the pattern yourself. Could I adapt them to make a felt creation? Well there was only one way to find out........

You can tell just how tiny he is compared to the bucket which also features in the card photo. He measures just 5cm high. I need to see what else is in that book - Happy Crafting.

A Wedding.......Or Two

2011-04-29T01:00:00.001+01:00

Hi. I'm sure you've noticed that today marks the occasion of a very important wedding. Imagine my suprise when on 'the big clear up' I realised that another wedding took place on the very same day 29 April ...........in 1920.

I happened to take a peek at my scrapbook albums (when I was supposed to be tidying up) and came across a layout I'd made when taking the Create 10 workshop by Crafty Templates.

How pleased I am that I decided to do some tidying I'd have been very disappointed if I'd discovered this coincidence next week.

Enjoy your day if you're joining in with celebrations. I shall be toasting my Great Grandparents.

A Spring Clean

2011-04-26T16:51:00.001+01:00

Hi. Did you have a good Easter? I've been enjoying the fantastic warm weather. Amazing, normally even the sniff of a Bank Holiday is enough to send the weather into decline but not this year. I have to keep reminding myself it is only April.

So what with being out and about in the sunshine I haven't had much time for crafting but I did find time to try out this brilliant technique that Julie shared last week. If you visit her post at It's a Creative World here you will find her step by step tutorial showing you how to make your own photo booth style card using stamps.

I'd just bought these cute stamps by Prima and was wondering how to use them. They had a kind of wintery Christmas feel so I thought that using them with this technique would make a great Christmas card..........one down, only another - how many?? to go.

Last week saw another technique 'first'. Not in crafting but in baking.......

I made some soda bread. I was so suprised at how easy and tasty it was. I'll definitely be trying it again courtesy of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's classic recipe.

And today as the weather has turned more seasonably cooler I spent the morning tidying my craft room, a job long overdue. When you have that just been burgled look and can no longer see your desk and floor is rapidly disappearing you know it's time for a clear up.

In the great tidy up I came across my small collection of printer blocks that I bought many years ago, long before they popular. You can tell just how long ago as there are some 80's hairstyles amongst them. They are now safely housed on my 'altered' shelf along with my £2.00 wooden bargain they are standing on. It was reduced as it had lost all it's drawers and is now awaiting a bit of altering. Shame the blocks can't all fit inside.

Next to this I've sorted part of my craft book selection.

....and when I'd finally got my all my canvases in one location it appears I have quite a few awaiting transformation. Ooops

I have more tidying to do and I'm not sure it will last but at least I can now see my craft desk. Think I'll just look at the tidy bit.

Happy creating.

Absolutely Fabulous

2011-04-17T17:30:00.000+01:00

Hi are you enjoying the lovely Spring weather still?

I've created a blooming tag inspired by recipe #34 at Chicken Soup. I first embossed the tag with roses and painted it with some pink craft paint followed by distress crackle in picket fence. The twine is twisted paper string which I coloured with shabby shutters distress ink and I made more of the paper flowers that I love so much finished with pearl centres.

I had a paper flower left over so after having a play with the Silhouette I cut out a frame and a bird on a branch by House of Three.

It's hard not to be tempted when visiting the online Silhouette shop and I downloaded these two files at different times but it struck me that they would look perfect together and make a great card.

I cut all the elements for the 'party chica' onto plain white cardstock and coloured them using promarkers and for her sunglasses added a touch of glossy accents. The other file was 'fabulous stacker'.

.....absolutely fabulous.

Spring Breeze

2011-04-12T21:09:00.000+01:00

Hi I hope you have been able to enjoy some of the glorious Spring weather we've been having. The challenge this week at Chicken Soup seemed very appropriate and inspired me to make this card.

I splodged some blue acrylic paint as my background and used my new Craftwork Cards template to cut out the branch and owl. I decided against using the spotty yellow paper when I spied a paint chart that I'd picked up for crafty purposes. It turned out to be just the thing especially as the colours were entitled Spring Breeze in various shades of yellow and made the perfect blossom. And in case you're wondering that's a sock monkey cut out of the spotty paper.

...and I can't go without sharing this picture with you

It is actually a card that I picked up at the weekend from one of my favourite shops (I can't share a link as they haven't joined the 21st century and don't have a website). The card is called 'Clever Cat'. I had the perfect sized frame to put him into, it's a bit used and battered but it was worth using it as he makes me smile every time I catch sight of him in my kitchen. You can't see it very well in the photo but the picture has a very eye catching glittery background.

Has the Spring weather been inspiring your crafting too?

A Bit of Warm Sun

2011-04-05T20:44:00.000+01:00

Hi. Over at Kim Klassen Cafe it's Texture Tuesday so I thought I'd be brave and join in. I'm still on the basics but learnt absolutely loads from Kim's Skinny Mini class. So to help continue my learning process I signed up to her texture lovin list to get some tips and freebies straight to my inbox.

A couple of weeks ago the free texture was WarmSun and this weeks challenge was to use at least one layer. I used one of my holiday snaps, ok it already had warm sun......but what the heck.

Then I tried another...

There is something very addictive about altering photos.....

Happy Mother's Day

2011-04-03T01:00:00.002+01:00

Hi. Where has the time gone since my last post? In between craft sale preparations, having a birthday, work, shopping, trying to tidy up and dealing with the post holiday washing pile a week went by in a blink of an eye.

I did find time to peruse the Silhouette site and found these fab little envelopes.

And so to this weekend. Today in the UK we are celebrating Mother's Day so to add to my list of things to do I'd decided sometime ago to make a bag for my Mum. I found the perfect colour fabric in the form of some linen napkins in a charity shop.......but I don't think you'd guess that is what it is made from, would you? I know for sure she'll like the colour. For the card I downloaded some pretty birds on a wire and cut them out of some textured self adhesive paper along with the sentiment.

I also spotted this jug which I thought would be perfect for my Mum to mix a sangria in now that she can look forward to warmer days and evenings in her garden. I printed out a recipe and popped it inside. If we should return to the cold and chilly hopefully the rose and peony scented candle will remind her that Summer will soon be on it's way.

And today to complete my Mother's Day meal I'm making this so let's hope it is 'golden'.....

Nigella doesn't normally let me down so fingers crossed.

Lounger with a view

2011-03-21T18:06:00.001Z

Hi.

This was the glorious view from my lounger where for the last ten days I've done lots of reading. Lots of reading......including:

Human Croquet and Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson. If you haven't read any of her books I urge you to try them. I haven't finished the second one yet but very enjoyable so far.

Lustrum by Robert Harris. Not my favourite of his books and certainly not as enjoyable as Pompeii but found in the library on holiday so thought I'd take the opportunity to read it.

The Immortals:Evermore by Alyson Noel. Another found in the library and consumed in a day a bit of a guilty pleasure it being one of those teenage goth/vampire type books (although they're not vampires). Great fun. The little library/bookshelves set up on holiday are a great way to find your next favourite author. The Maldives is where Kathy Reichs and I first got acquainted.

Not forgetting my two book night freebies......

Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes. As I've found with all of her books I've read very entertaining. The story features Rachel who is a recovering drug addict which although sounds a bit depressing the book isn't at all.

Unfortunately or fortunately I don't have this book to give away as it plucked from my grasp by one of the staff on holiday. I had just finished reading it and was on my way to get another when I heard a cry of 'Hi sweetie have you finished with that book........oh is it Marian Keyes I've heard of her?' She had such a look of excitement on her face how could I say no? Afterall that is the point of World Book Night and now Rachel's Holiday is doing the rounds in Antigua. I just hope she isn't offended by sex and bad language.

Which brings me on to Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. I had no idea about this book so came to it with an open mind. It had rave reviews and there were bits of it that I really enjoyed and there were bits of it that I just I could quite easily put the book down and not gone any further. But I am one of those people that once I've started reading a book I have to finish. The book features six stories that all interlock and is quite cleverly written. Spookily I have a birth mark just like the one described in the book (it will make more sense if you read the book, Sarah you'll know what I mean). The bits I liked best were the science fiction of the future in An Orison of Sonmi - 451, a really interesting and quite scary view of what the future could hold. I could have read a whole book of Half-Lives - The First Luisa Rey Mystery and The Ghastly Ordeal of Timothy Cavendish had me laughing. Sloosha's Crossin' an' Ev'rythin' After drove me to distraction and probably only a stiff G&T got me through it.

If you would like to read my slightly used well travelled copy of Cloud Atlas and be a part of the celebration of reading please leave me a comment and I'll make a random draw. All I ask is that you register when you have read it and pass it on to someone too.

So, to give me time to make my own registration I'll leave this open until Midnight next Monday 28 March and I'll announce the next owner later that week.

Something Found and a Card

2011-03-18T08:00:00.002Z

Hi. If you are a crafter then you are probably the same as me and can't pass up an opportunity to use something 'found' in your crafting. My enthusiasm has sometimes prompted some strange looks from my nearest and dearest when I've come across something that I know will be perfect for a project. So imagine my other halves suprise when I wrestled these labels out of his hands from his newly bought T-shirt before they ended up in the recycling bin. I would just like to say he wouldn't give me the spare buttons how ever much I begged but I don't think he'll be the one sewing them on should the need arise!

The labels have a great bit of texture and I can see them appearing in a collage some time soon which leads me on to the Toast 'small book' which was junk mail in a magazine and has already made an appearance in the background of this birthday card I made for a 40th birthday.

To accompany the card I made a present too........an evening bag in black velvet.

I hope she liked it!

A Monthly Make

2011-03-14T08:00:00.001Z

Hi, can you believe it's March already? Time for another Monthly Make. When Annie first set up the challenge she suggested that March was the month that we would make 'Stanleys' from the pattern she very kindly sent. So meet my Stanley. If you are a Cath Kidston fan you'll already be familiar with Stanley.

I went for a traditional kind of colourway and gave him a tartan collar.

Stanley is popular in our household as you can tell by the cushion I had already made.

...and I don't think he'll be the last Stanley I make.

Are you a reader?

2011-03-05T17:36:00.000Z

If the answer is 'yes' then you probably know that tonight is world book night. The BBC has been celebrating all things books with their Free Your Imagination campaign. The image that has been used as part of the campaign has inspired a creative project of mine but more of that soon.

World book night will see a million books being given away for free - did you get one or did you apply to be one of the 20,000 people giving away one of the titles chosen?

I have been lucky enough to receive two of the books, what are the chances of that? No I'm not going to work it out but I have to say as a reader it made my day.

I'm going to register my books and once I've read them pass them on because that is what world book night is all about, letting someone else discover a book that you have enjoyed. I'm sorry to say that in the excitement of finding someone giving away one of the books I didn't give the poor man with Cloud Atlas a chance to tell me anything about it.

So I'll check back soon to let you know what I thought of each of them and give someone else a chance to read them.

If you too like books be sure to visit Sian at High in the Sky and take part in Pass the Book where every month Sian chooses a book and very kindly gives someone else a chance to own the book for a month before they too pass it on. Visit the link to read all about it and how to take part.

Happy reading

More She Art

2011-03-04T19:23:00.000Z

Hi, time to show you the other two backgrounds with their addition of a She Art girl.

This girl was added to the paper background and has wings. I think she merges with the background a bit too much and her neck is too long but pretty sweet all the same. I had a go at a different hairstyle with her too.

This girl has the painted background with the addition of punched kraft butterflies. Her hairstyle seems pretty similar to my first one maybe that will just be my 'style'. Unfortunately because my mod podge is the lustre type it has a reflection from the flash.

I feel quite proud of what I've achieved this week. I hand cut all the girls and their outfits 'freestyle' no templates involved. It's quite liberating making it up as you go along.

Let's see what next week brings.......

Getting creatively messy

2011-03-02T19:51:00.000Z

Hi

This week marked the start of the She Art workshop taught by Christy Tomlinson. I signed up after thinking about it for ..........mmmmmm let me see all of five minutes. Apart from the very reasonable cost it looked like just my kind of thing. If you missed it this time round you can still sign up for the next workshop being launched on 11th April. If you like mixed media or just getting messy this could be for you.

In the class the techniques are taught on canvases but I had some mount board offcuts that I'd had lying around for a while so I thought I'd start on those and if I mucked up well it doesn't matter, it's all a learning experience.

This is my first attempt and I used old book pages as the background and created a bit of texture with a doily. The little trees you may be able to see is in fact printed toilet paper. I used some pearlescent medium on this one which gives a slight shimmer.

The next one was created using only paint. I added some butterflies punched from some kraft paper used as packing in a parcel and I think using bubble wrap could turn out to be one of my favourite techniques. Whenever I use paint I always seem to choose this bright pink/red colour combination.

The last uses scrapbooking paper as the background which is toned down using paint and stamps. I literally just went to my scraps drawer and pulled out what was to hand.

Finally this is my very first attempt at a She Art Girl.

As the first week is not yet finished and there are another two weeks to go I may well be boring you with more of my attempts.......plus it could get addictive.

Feeling Retro

2011-02-27T19:54:00.000Z

Hi have you had a good weekend? I've been feeling a bit retro. Having decided on a pudding to take to a Sunday lunch invite I was disappointed to have to change my original plan when I couldn't find an ingredient. Tell me, is there a world tinned cherry shortage? Anyway I finally settled on making a good old standby - a pineapple upside down pudding.

Not very modern you're thinking and you'd be right as the recipe I turn to when I make this is one from my first year home economics recipe book circa 1981. Written in my bestest handwriting, bestest handwriting for an 11 year old anyway complete with original splashes.

And you know what it was like, you were made to cover your exercise books in sticky back plastic or wallpaper or in my case the wipeable wallpaper that the kitchen had just been decorated in. So many shades of brown.....

But whenever I make this the result is always the same - delicious.

And to finish my retro weekend I have a layout to share. When Alana scrapped a 70's photo of her being a bridesmaid I thought I should hunt out my photos too. I can't remember exactly how old I was and I need to check some details with my Mum so I can add some journalling. I can't work out if I look serious or just plain unhappy.

Do you have any photos of you as a bridesmaid that you want to share?

The soft option

2011-02-20T16:47:00.000Z

Since learning something new on the Skinny Mini class I've been busy experimenting with some of my photos. I think from now on no photo will now be safe from having some adjustment made or an effect added. I particularly like the soft light option used on this photo.

Next up is textures and I'm a bit behind with my homework but hopefull will get back on track in readiness for the next class.

I'm probably behind as I'm easily distracted and the new fabric I bought recently was just too tempting. You know what it's like you see some fetching fabric that you just have to have with no thought of what you're going to make........or is that just me? That was the story with this Kokka linen fabric. That is until I turned it into a bag.

It has some natty green spot fabric for the lining and fastens with a magnetic clasp

That isn't the only bit of sewing I've managed to fit in I've also made this cute little mouse by Mandy Shaw of Dandelion Designs. Her stand at Brighton at the Creative Stitches show was so popular. I just about managed to buy a pattern in the mad scramble, a rabbit called Judy. This little mouse is her friend, Pip made from some Tilda fabric (oval rose) another impulse buy.

Enjoy what's left of your weekend - Goodbye from me and Pip

Blissed Out

2011-02-17T20:10:00.000Z

Do you remember last month I felt inspired by the delivery of my Spring Boden catalogue?

I've been busy and completed my second layout using one of the free stickers as inspiration for the title - Blissed Out

This photo is one of the first I used to create a layout when I joined UK Scrappers but I had the urge to revisit it after using the photo as part of the Skinny Mini class. For this version I added a soft light layer and added some typed text. I'm looking forward to learning how to add texture to photos in a later class.

For the layout I decided to print the photo onto canvas paper to add a bit of texture and go with the natural feel I'd decided on with the stitched linen and kraft cardstock background.

And for those of you wondering what the original looked like I'll be brave and show you......

.......an 8x8 and not very adventurous.

Chicken Soup and a Winner

2011-02-14T11:58:00.000Z

Hi

How are you on this Valentines Monday morning? I feel in a bright mood as I'm delighted to say that the sun is shining. In my garden the bulbs are starting to appear and that can only mean one thing............. Spring is on it's way.

Today also marks the first day of the free e-course I signed up for at Kim Klassen. Registration for the Photoshop Skinny-Mini stays open until 16th February so if you fancy giving it a go sign up what have you got to lose - Nothing! I'm hoping to pick up some basic skills and knowledge to set me on my way to creating beautiful photos. Well I can dream.

This is the inspiration this week at Chicken Soup

I created a card inspired by the white woodwork and floral print mugs

As a finishing touch I added one of the paper flowers I've been making with the addition of a button centre tied with some jute string. I cut the frame on my Silhouette using some pretty floral print paper and inside the frame I used some embossed kraft brushed with some gesso.
And lastly I have the winner of my birthday blog giveaway to announce........

........................... Congratulations Sonja as your latest blog post said 'you've got to be in it to win it'! Make way for some stash coming your way.

Bloomin Lovely

2011-02-11T11:26:00.001Z

Today I have a 6x12 layout to share.

As it's fast approaching Valentines Day I thought I'd scrap a photo of the two of us. We don't really do Valentines Day but it's always a good opportunity to scrap a photo from the previous year. I know this one isn't from last year but I have another layout planned too. Last year I made a reverse canvas.

Scrapping the layout also gave me a chance to use my newly acquired bazill basics kraft and the paper is from the Glitz Love Nest collection. Something I've been doing alot lately is making my own backgrounds from inexpensive white cardstock and inking and stamping to suit whatever I'm making. Another homemade feature of the layout are the paper flowers. Since finding a brilliant tutorial from Gabrielle Pollacco I can't stop making them. The ones on my layout are made from book pages and white cardstock which have been inked with worn lipstick distress ink and spritzed with water mixed with a bit of LuminArte Sunburst mica powder. I don't know about Sunburst I look more like I have a 40 a day habit!

Once I started making them I experimented with different types of paper I think these are my favourites. This is how they start off, these ones are cut using the tattered floral die from some coloured notepaper. You don't have to use mica just plain water will do but you can just see the slight glimmer it gives.

This is what they look like layered up you could leave the centre more open and fix a gem or button but I quite like the fluffy look.

If you like the thought of making your own embellishments from your existing stash then visit the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog they have all kinds of tutorials posted today features page pebbles. I had every intention of joining in with their putting your own kit together this month but got too excited by making flowers.

Let me know if you make any flowers of your own I'd love to see them.

Happy Creating

I Love Sock Monkeys

2011-02-09T19:45:00.000Z

When I saw this weeks free shape from Silhouette I knew I had to make something using it.

You see sock monkeys make more than one appearance in my house. There is one who looks down on me from high on a shelf in my kitchen.

......and another in my craft room wearing some funky looking spots.

Maybe it's time I added to my collection.............. or I could just make another card or maybe even a layout featuring my existing duo.

I do have some socks left over from when I made this pair of monkeys so if you have any other ideas on what to make let me know.

Create

2011-02-06T16:06:00.000Z

Hi. Have you had a creative weekend. Mine started on Friday when I spent the day chatting and eating cake with some friends with a bit of creating thrown in. I downloaded some cute birdhouses for the Silhouette which we decorated in our way. With the addition of a door I can see these making great little beach huts.

In fact my friends were so impressed with the Silhouette they had to buy their own so in between the eating cake, chatting and creating we had a shopping excursion too. I hope you like it girls. Looking at the Silhouette blog I was interested to see that there are some new lines being introduced and fabric interfacing is one of them. I think there are going to be some tutorials coming up on how to cut fabric so I'll be keeping an eye on that.

For my February Monthly Make I thought I'd do a bit of papercrafting and a bit more getting to know my Silhouette.

I cut out one of the pennant shapes that comes with the studio software and used some of my neglected material girl paper to decorate.

I can see real potential in these with all kinds of uses............I just need to make a note of them so I don't forget.

The little dog you can see keeping watch is by Total Pap. I should really take some photos of the windows they have done locally as they are amazing and much nicer to look at than an empty shop window and there are a lot of empty shops!

Happy creating.

Hello Dolly

2011-02-01T19:37:00.000Z

Hi

Do you remember the doll swap I signed up for? So far I've had visits from two dolly friends to have their body decorated (best not mention that!), their face created and most recently I had a new arrival for a hair appointment.

Meet Dolly.

Dolly belongs to Sonja and I did check with her first if she wanted to keep tabs on Dolly's progress so Dolly says 'Hi Sonja I hope you like my hair?'. And as all good hairdressers do I'll show you the back view too.

Dolly is packing her bags and getting ready for the next step of her journey while I await the arrival of a new doll.

This week I've been getting to grips with a new addition to my crafting kit - a Silhouette. I'd considered getting one some time ago and then reconsidered but after seeing how much Sandra liked hers and finding one at a bargain price I took the plunge. And now? I'm so pleased I did. I've been amazed at what it can achieve. Here are a few cards I've made using it.

This card uses the free shape for download last week - a dressform. (yes, that is more Glitz paper you can see!)

I couldn't resist this Keep Calm and Carry On sentiment.

This Happy Birthday sentiment comes free with the software. I put it together with a card blank by Craftwork Cards they measure 8x8 and I love working with them. This one is inked with distress inks and stamped with a leaf stamp around the edge. The watch stamp was free with craft stamper last month and once stamped I finished it off with a bit of glossy accents on the watch face. Some die cut tattered leaves and a couple of flourishes to finish.

I have to say that I've had fun learning how to use it so far and I hope to learn lots more. I'll keep you posted.

So tweet

2011-01-28T13:29:00.000Z

....so sweet was my number one thought when I spotted this little ceramic bird this week.

Number two was Julie would love this.

Number three was at 60p what are you waiting for just grab it!

Number four was that the colours looked very Laura Ashley like.

......and number five was that after a little wash and brush up he would look very handsome sat next to my photoframe.

I've yet to add a photo to my frame even after having it for ages but I think I really must make the effort now. I also picked up some odd fabric scraps and an old set of napkins which toned very well together. Sometimes I think things are just meant to be as at the weekend I bought some wire edged ribbon which is a perfect match I just need to work out if I can incorporate it into my project somehow.

I've already washed and prepared my fabric and cut out the first piece......can you tell what it is yet? All will be revealed soon.

Before I go I'd just like to point out that if you follow the link in my post above to Julie at notes on paper you will find that there is currently a free blog mini series running 'Tips for the Twitter-curious'. So if you'd like to find out more about Twitter or pick up some hints then that's the place for you.

Have a great weekend I'm off to Pickleberry Papercrafts tomorrow with some friends to their demo day all about cosmic shimmer paints and mists. I'm hoping to pick up some inspiration and some tips on how not to make a mess with mists.

I love you more than cherry pie

2011-01-26T20:19:00.000Z

Over at Simply Create there is currently a challenge based around this pretty inspiration board. The challenge? Make anything you like from fabric or paper using the colours and board as inspiration......The bonus? Well the best entry will win £100 of stash.

......and so on a miserable wet and windy January morning I was inspired to make this.....

The 'I love you more than cherry pie' was handstamped onto the linen fabric with fabric ink and heat set. The inspiration really came from some hand felted balls I made for a Christmas project which I carefully dissected in half to make the cherries. On the inspiration board I loved the touches of soft pale blue so I thought I'd make a pretty label to finish.

As well as entering the challenge I think this heart is perfect as my January Monthly Make being hosted by Annie the Felt Fairy because as well as the felted cherries the leaves are also made of felt. (Can I just point out that you don't have to make something from felt to take part that is just my little homage to the Felt Fairy)

So if you would like to take part in either challenge the links are over in my sidebar. You never know you might get some inspiration too. Have fun.

A Birthday Giveaway

2011-01-25T13:16:00.000Z

Hi

As you know yesterday marked the anniversary of my first year of blogging and as a thank you to all the lovely people who have visited over the past year and posted comments I'd like to give you the chance to win........

Papercrafting to me means scrapbooking of course but also stamping, card making, art journaling and altering so there is a little bit of everything included in my giveaway.

Hero Art 'Clings' Thank You stamp

K & Co 6x6 Classic K Bailey paper stack

Kimberly Hodges Clearly Yours Alphas

Tim Coffey Clearly Yours Alphas

K & Co Studio K Seasons rub ons

2No Craftwork Cards die cut frames

Craftwork Cards Card Candy

Card sentiments and giant gems

4No journaling cards

3No kraft East of India 'ruler' paper chains

2No wooden bird shapes

Daley Rowney mini stretched canvas

8" natural muslin doll

Be sure to enter you have until midnight Sunday 13th February and I'll spread a little love and announce the winner on Monday 14th February

Good Luck

Happy 1st Birthday

2011-01-24T01:00:00.001Z

Yes today is my blog's 1st birthday. Since my first post I've met some wonderful people on my blog travels and made some fantastic discoveries. Along the way I've been tempted into buying and inspired to take part in all kinds of challenges. I hope in the course of the next year I make yet more new discoveries.

I know one for sure as I've just signed up to Kim Klassen's free Photoshop Skinny Mini e-course which starts next month. I hope to learn something new........... or maybe that will be just learn.

To celebrate my first year of blogging I've returned to a bit of scrapbooking. Remember the Boden Stickers? Well I've created my first layout using one as the title of my page and as inspiration for my layout.

I also had the chance to use some of the Glitz papers that arrived this week that I'd been hankering after for ages. I blame both Sonja and Michelle for that little obession.

The journaling describes my first and last skiing trip.........

I have mixed feelings about my one and only skiing trip. I loved the experience of being at the top of the mountain it really did feel like being ON TOP OF THE WORLD my concern was how was I going to get down again on two skis.

I never felt convinced that skiing and me were a perfect match however many times my instructor told me I was doing fine.

It isn't an experience I'll be repeating but I'm glad I tried.

Papers used Glitz Hoopla Pipework

Bazill Cardstock

K & Co 'Thrilled' word sticker with 'NOT' added with tiny alphas

Spellbinders snowflake die

I've also enjoyed making some cards and an ATC this week after buying some really bargain stamps. I'm not sure I would have bought these stamps at their full price but at £1.50 I was tempted into trying them and have to say really enjoyed using them. They are called In The Groove by Inkadinkado. The background of the card is a lace distress stamp from Glitz which I LOVE thank you Michelle.

I will be having a birthday giveaway later in the week so I hope you'll join me - see you then.

Inspiration and A Monthly Make

2011-01-19T20:12:00.000Z

Hi

Recently with thanks to Sian I found a blog called The Felt Fairy where Annie has set a challenge to make something - anything you like - every month. Well that seems achievable so I thought why not sign myself up. It seems I'm not the only one who thinks it's a good idea because as far as I tell lots of other people think it's a good idea too.

If you would like to join in and share your monthly makes just follow the link in my sidebar. Sign up ends at the end of January and if you do agree to take part in return Annie will send you a pattern to make a felt CK 'Stanley' all the details are here

I may have mentioned that scrapping seems to be non existent here at the moment as sewing seems to have taken over but I have a need to return to paper some time soon, at least long enough to actually create a layout. Where is the inspiration going to come from? Well it seems the Boden catalogue is the inspiration of choice (what with my Christmas tags) and when the Spring edition popped through my letterbox I spotted these straightaway.

They are little sticky labels which it is suggested you stick on a page when you see something 'that floats your boat'. They would also make perfect layout titles and when I read them I could already start to see layouts forming.

Pleased as Punch * Over The Moon * Tickled Pink

On Cloud Nine * In Seventh Heaven * Blissed Out

Walking on Air * OTOTW (on top of the world)

See? Perfect!

Watch out for a layout sometime soon - I hope..........

It's a Start

2011-01-14T20:43:00.001Z

Hi I have a little announcement to make - toot! toot!

I have finally added something to my Etsy shop. I'll admit it's looking a little lonely right now but hopefully it will have some friends to keep it company soon.

A sewing gift.......

The decorative stuffed heart is made from some fabulous fabric I found printed with cotton reels and I stamped the twill 'love' labels.

.....and you may well recognise the decorative finishing touch.....yes it's that die with one of my papercrafted buttons.

Now I've got my head around shop policies and taking some half decent photos I'm feeling a little more positive about the whole thing. Fingers crossed.

Anyone for Tea?

2011-01-11T20:22:00.001Z

Hi and belated Happy New Year to you. Whilst I've been a tad lazy on the blog posting front I have at least still been creative. With the Christmas crafting done and dusted I like to start the new year thinking of new ideas and this is one of them............

...............a teacup candle. I thought these teacups I found were the perfect shape and size to make into pretty candles. Pouring the wax was a little tricky and then I hit upon the idea of using my ever useful tattered floral die to make a decorative flower to sit on top for presentation. You can just see the wick poking through. A label tied to the handle provides the finishing touch.

Although January has seen the beginning of some new ideas I've also returned to some old favourites too. A fabric apple and yet more flowers die cut with the tattered floral die. Perhaps I should write a book - 101 things to do with a tattered floral die!

Happy crafting till next time when I promise not to mention the tattered floral die, well I'll try!

Thrifty Tags

2010-12-23T21:41:00.002Z

Hi are you all set for Christmas? Me? I'm still wrapping but apart from that I seem to be on top of things - at last!

To assist with the wrapping I made use of these fab little free, yes FREE tags that came with my Boden catalogue well I just had to use them.

I peeled them off the backing as they are sticky labels and stuck them on some card to make them a bit more substantial and punched a hole and that's it label ready to go.

Next dilema what to do with one of those credit card type vouchers? How do you give one of those and actually make it look like a present? Make a box, decorate and add a decoration and label (yes,one of those free labels.)

A bit more tattered floral overload - they make great bottle decorations too.

I wouldn't want you to think I'm a cheapskate I did make the effort to make some tags too. I just love the reindeer stamp from Whiff Of Joy and the stamp I used as the background is from PaperArtsy. And if you're thinking why is she telling me about the stamps now it's far too late for Christmas I bought some of mine in April! It still didn't stop the last minute crafting though. I hope I may have given you a few last minute ideas.

And finally all that remains is to wish all of you a

Merry Christmas

Cheers

Don't Panic!

2010-12-12T20:53:00.000Z

I don't know about you but I'm still in the throes of christmas card making. The novelty has definitely worn off and panic is starting to set in. I knew I should have made them all in July when I was feeling enthusiastic but it just didn't seem right somehow. It feels so much nicer to be christmas creating in the run up to Christmas but seriously where do you get the time it just seems to run away.

Anyway time to show a couple of cards I have managed to get finished and delivered.

I have bought most of my shopping but unless I pull my finger out and buy some paper they aren't going to get wrapped so that's next on the list...........I'm still thinking of making some Boxing Day chutney (it will be new year by the time I get around to it) and I have a Strictly Come Dancing final night party to organise. Why did I think goody bags would be a good idea? Tradition has it we play Strictly bingo so I have a glitterball trophy to make too. Oh the things we do to ourselves!

At least Fergus is in a Chrismassy mood.......

The Great British Weather

2010-12-03T13:21:00.000Z

If you are in the UK then you probably have a view something like this in varying degrees of snowfall.

I don't think anywhere has been unaffected and whilst it looks pretty it's caused a fair amount of disruption. Yesterday I'd planned a craft sale prior to the opening of my Etsy shop..........well as the saying goes 'all the best laid plans and all that'. Needless to say I was disappointed at having to cancel it but I'm hoping to reschedule. Here are a few of the Christmas stockings I made.

Don't you just love the cute 'Stanley' Cath Kidston fabric. I saw it when I visited Brighton last week and had to buy some. The other one hasn't photographed very well but it's made from some lovely irish linen with a cotton spotty lining.

This one has a more rustic feel with raw edges and made from some wool fabric I found which I wrote about in a previous post. I hand stitched the felt reindeer onto the stocking and felted some wools balls to use for the holly with felt leaves.

Have you checked out the Inspired Ideas online magazine yet I made this yo-yo christmas tree inspired by it

The original used a wooden cotton reel as a base but I treasure mine too much to use one (really must get over that!) so I used small metal bucket instead with more of the red spotty fabric for the yo-yos. For the tree topper I die cut some snowflakes and I also interspersed my yo-yos with some green pony beads. To weight the bucket I filled it with some air drying clay which was perfect to mount the tree in as the yo-yos are threaded onto a painted bamboo skewer.
Keep warm and Happy Crafting

More buttons, more gnomes and a winner

2010-11-22T12:52:00.000Z

Hi.

The gnome production is chugging along in preparation for (I'll whisper it) *Christmas*. I saw a sign the other day saying 'only 36 shopping days until Christmas'. Well that was enough to send me into a panic. Here is the teeny tomte, he measures just 9 inches from his boots to the tip of his outstretched hat.

I've also made some more Christmassy buttons, yep there's no stopping me now I'm on a roll.

The ones in the middle have tiny holly leaves stamped and coloured on them.

I was very excited last week to receive the Moo minicards cards I ordered. I uploaded images of journal pages and cards I've made. You might even spot the paper dahlia wall decoration I made. I was pleased with how they turned out and should anyone actually buy anything from me they will be going into the packages that I send. They make great labels too.

And before I forget completely the winner of my button giveaway is Kirsti Your chosen Cath Kidston buttons will soon be on their way to you and I'll pop one of my button flowers in too, you can use them on layouts or cards or even to decorate a gift.

Bye for now - Happy crafting

Swedish Jultomar

2010-11-18T20:33:00.000Z

Meet my Swedish Jultomar otherwise known as a Yuletide Gnome.

I just love knitting these gnomes (pattern by Alan Dart) they have such character.

He has a bit of weight in that plump behind so that he perches perfectly.

I'm liking the hat so much that I'm considering upsizing it for adult wear :-)

If the popularity of last years Teeny Tomte (mini gnomes) is anthing to go by he is going to be one popular little fella. I have one of those knitted but I have yet to make him up so when I do I'll show you the comparision in size.

Don't forget that if you would like to win a set of my papercrafted buttons enter my giveaway and leave me a comment here by midnight Saturday 20th

The Button Effect

2010-11-15T12:10:00.000Z

I love making these buttons and once I'd started the ideas just kept coming. What to make them out of ? What to use them for? I'm a big fan of fabric designers such as Orla Kiely, Cath Kidston and Amy Butler so it seemed the natural thing to create some papercrafting embellishments using some well loved prints.

Cath Kidston

Amy Butler

Orla Kiely

I've made these to sell in my soon to be open Etsy shop but I thought I'd give you a chance to own a set for free. Just leave me a comment by midnight Saturday 20th November telling me which is your favourite and I'll announce a winner next Monday.

Happy Crafting

Christmas is coming

2010-11-12T12:31:00.000Z

Now don't worry I'm not going to go on and on about Christmas for weeks to come although I know some of you just love Christmas. I always think I've got plenty of time to prepare and somehow time just slips away but I can tick something off the list today as I've made my Christmas pudding. However if my Nan is looking down on me she won't be a bit impressed as she would have prepared hers way before now and in fact she always had a steady stock that would mature in time for a family get together at Christmas and for some reason we always had one at Easter too. I have plans to make chutney like I did last year.......I'll just add it to the list.

After being inspired by an article in Craft Stamper this month I tried my hand at making some buttons. I've made some before with fimo so I had all the equipment that was needed but this time I tried using some air drying clay. I have to say it was great to work with and I produced some in the form of leaves, footballs and plain old round ones. Some I added a bit of texture to with stamping. I like the dove it's the perfect size.

I found my tiny holly cutter and made some leaves which I painted a shimmery green and also made some paper buttons. Take some circles punched from cardstock glued together in layers and sandwich between some patterned paper. Then punch holes in the middle. Some I gave a bit of vintage grungy look with inked edges and some I gave a crackled distress finish to.

I liked the holly leaves so much I thought I'd make some without the holes to make some cards with. What do you think?

How is your Christmas crafting coming along are you any better planned than me? Happy crafting.

Something Old, Something New

2010-11-05T18:33:00.000Z

This week I've enjoyed a couple of little shopping fixes and boy did I find some bargains.

First the something old. Where I live there are quite a few charity shops and recently you may have seen that some charities are refitting their shops and becoming more mainstream. To be honest I prefer the good old rummage type shop much more of a chance of coming away with a bargain. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to do charities out of their much needed fund raising it's just sometimes it's hard not to get too excited when you spot something at a bargain price.

Take these doilies........10p each. I also picked up some lovely wool fabric, a length of wide cotton lace trimming and a thimble rack. Look out for some projects featuring these soon. I can feel the inspiration already.

The detail on this one is amazing. Just how do you get those interlocking circles? I did come a bit of a cropper though after washing them all in readiness for creating they were put in my not so tidy craft room where they got splashed with blue ink from my printer. It was having a funny five minutes and I requested help from the fixer who now has two blue inky fingers. He wasn't impressed and the printer still isn't working.

Do you think I got them too cheap and this is payback?

Now for something new..........

I visited TK Maxx where I picked up this little lot for just over £12. An all essential to do list pad and clipboard. I'll definitely be making use of that! A Making Memories blank calendar, a book called Knitting Pretty, two sets of American Crafts stamps and a magenta jersey and satin top. I normally visit TK Maxx by myself as I like a good look around without the pressure of someone else getting bored and as you can see it's normally time well worth spending.

Have you picked up any bargains lately? Happy hunting

It had to happen some time

2010-11-02T10:17:00.000Z

Yes, another month down and I'm still hanging in there with the 365 Challenge.....

This month I made a bit of a boo boo it had to happen. I managed to mount each little square 8 across on the page and as you know there are only 7 days in a week!! Ooooooops No real harm done though it just means I couldn't have the days of the week listed on my page as I normally do.

This month had a bit of leafy theme going on with a bit of stamping which wasn't that successful due to the bulk of the previous pages and some leftover leafy scrapbook paper. The distress inked background is rusty hinge.

The book I'm using for this project is beginning to fall apart it may well be tied up with string by the end of year.

......onto November

Back to fabric and wool

2010-10-31T16:50:00.001Z

After last weeks brief relationship with paper this week I'm back to creating with fabric and wool.

After spotting some interesting looking wool I knitted up a cosy neckwarmer........

...........then I spied some more wool that took my fancy. Seriously chunky and such a lovely green, in fact the label calls it meadow green.

I wanted to try one in wool too so I chose a ball of Rowan 100% merino wool in a delicate shade of grey. It's not as wide as the green one but just as cosy knitted in moss stitch.

If you've visited any of the fashion websites recently such as net-a-porter or my wardrobe you might have spotted that snood type scarves are making a comeback. Don't worry they have definitely moved on since the days of Nik Kershaw! But seriously who can afford to pay nearly £100 for a scarf? Not me that's for sure. Once I have a collection together I plan on putting them in my online shop or if I ever get my act together in my yet to open etsy shop. Note to self: Sort it Out!!!

And finally a sweet little wrist purse decorated with some felted wool die cut flowers. Yes, yet more uses for my tattered floral die - money well spent.

I have just realised that I have more to share of my crafty week but I've forgotten to take photos and as the clocks have gone back - IT'S DARK. Boo!

Scrapping of Sorts

2010-10-24T17:48:00.000+01:00

After an enforced lack of blogging due to no internet connection I'm happy now to be back in full working order. Tip: reconsider if you currently have Norton security it does it's job so well that it blocks connecting to the internet. It appears I'm not the only person to have suffered in this way.

Ok serious bit over onto the scrapping.........all but in miniature

A much loved colleague is retiring this week and the office is going to be a whole lot quieter without him. He is someone who has supported my crafty endeavours and I know that he will appreciate something created for him.

He has been finishing jobs and clearing paperwork and when I spied him recycling his business cards I knew that I should retrieve them. After a bit of ferreting about in the recycling bin I found them and kept them safe but not quite knowing what to do with them.......That was until I saw a brilliant tutorial by Kirsty Neale on how to make a minibook from business cards. I've altered it a bit to fit in with how I wanted it to end up as I still wanted the business cards visible in places.

Then I had a tricky moment when the ribbon left to fasten around the cover wasn't quite long enough to tie properly. What to do? My non crafty husband came to the rescue with the suggestion of 'why don't you use some velcro?' Genius, I had some sticky velcro dots just waiting for such an occasion. You know, one of those 'they will come in handy purchases for some future project if only I can remember where I put them!'.

So there we have it a minibook made from business cards with it's very own box........