Mumsnet Arts and Crafts

cotton reel "button" stamp

2010-02-28T14:55:00.003Z

i sell vintage buttons and haberdashery online so i made this "button" stamp to decorate my packages - it's very quick and easy to make - hope you like it - you can find the tutorial on my blog

http://maximumrabbitdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/02/button-cotton-reel-stamp.html

i made several so i could do different sized
and coloured buttons quickly
heres a finished package.

Leah's Halloween Swap Goodies

2009-11-11T21:12:00.006Z

I thought it was about time I got my act together and blogged about the lovely goodies I received in the Halloween Swap.

The first of my 2 swap packages was from SqueezyCheese, and it was a beautiful necklace.

It's made from greeny/light jade beads that have a crackly pattern to them, interspirced with clear crystal beads.

The clasp is just adorable being a leaf design.

It came all wrapped up in an orange box.

My second package was from my mystery swap partner - and was full of goodies.

I got 2 FQ of fabric, plus 2 squares of felt - all halloween colours - I especially love the pumpkins!

Some spooky sweeties and a little cup with ghosties on - both of which my DD loved!!

And the piece-de-resistance - drum roll please - a pincushion.

The top of which has been cross-stitched with halloween motifs - a pumpkin, a bat, a ghost and my name initial dripping blood!

Thank you both ladies. Everything was lovely xxx

Chachargabor's goodies!

2009-11-09T19:24:00.001Z

Fudge is absolutely scrummy, smells intoxicating and so moreish. DD in pictures, minimally dressed as usual [hmm] but decent enough, has had a good munch and carries the little bag around everywhere with her. Made up with this craft swap :)

Thell's swap goodies!

2009-11-03T19:32:00.002Z

I am going to add the pictures you send me with your 'received' post as anything I write won't be as good as the excited first post after it turns up, so without further waffle, here's are Thell's gorgeous gifts!

Received my gifts this morning - thank you SO much!
I received a beautiful scarf and essential oil candle-melt, wrapped in very funky skull wrapping paper, both completely fab!

phantom knitter - you needn't have worried about colours as I love stripes too (I'm wearing a grey and black stripy top and hat today!), but thank you so very much for choosing the wool specially x x x

Lucky, lucky Jack!

2009-10-27T09:16:00.004Z

My gorgeous swap has been ehre for a few days but DH kept 'needing' to use the camera...

Here they are in all their glory!
DD1 opening parcel

Very pretty bags that have been put into use as dolly picnic bags

Lana opens hers and Nessa's parcel

A Punkin! (You can't see the beading on this, must get a better pic, it's so pretty, and is in Lana's bed as a dolly pillow)

My gorgeous hand towel, I have tried to persuade DH to do the bathroom so we can put it in there!

Close up of embroidered cat with beaded eye, so pretty!

DH's present, some lovely sweets. I did point out that the parcel said for the ENTIRE FAMILY but it was too late, they had all been scoffed and/or hidden

Lana's scariest face. Just for hahas

More sneaky peeks!

2009-10-27T09:11:00.005Z

Some more sneaky peeks that I found as I was working out how to use my email

However, these are well worth the wait, how cute is that cat?
And knitting sneaky peeks are mean, and not even a clue for me as to what it is going to be

(It's not for me, but that doesn't mean I don't want to know!

Sneaky peaky peaks...

2009-10-08T19:29:00.002+01:00

I know I said sneaky peak, but still!

New Swap!

2009-10-07T20:24:00.002+01:00

Hello fellow MNer's.
Jack Bauer here just setting up the blog for our new Hallowe'en 2009 swap.
Important things to remember, send in info for your sender to JackBauerMN at gmail.com or post it on our thread.
Make your hallowe'en themed thing.
If you are feeling sneaky, send me a sneaky teaser pic of your project and I will post it up here to show off.
Other than that, have fun!

Jack
x

Happy Birthdays !

2009-09-29T10:59:00.007+01:00

Ah September, the month of Birthdays !
We have had three in our immediate family plus another two if you count a cousin and Uncle. Plus, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW (on the 30th)

It was a very special birthday for my dad, his 70th. Where have all the years gone ? It's scary to think your parents are getting older and although they might drive us bonkers at times, we should be grateful that we still have them.

So, HAPPY 70th Birthday Dad ! You're a star and a poppet !!!!!! x

This little munchkin ? This is Chu-Harlie Farley Pudding and Pie ... Tilly's cousin on his 5th Birthday.
Fantastically, Dad and Charlie are both in Cornwall within 10 minutes of each other so we were able to celebrate both birthdays whilst down there. Charlie enjoyed a soft play party and Boo loved it as I don't often allow her to go as they are stinky, dirty and dangerous places up here in Berkshire. They are a last resort for me ... What a cruel mum eh ?
But the Bude Soft play was lovey and clean, fairly calm and a great layout.

Sammy, Charlie and Boo waiting for their party food, FIRST in the queue ! Samuel likes his food, his day revolves around what he's going to have for breakfast then lunch then dinner. Mind youhe has long legs to fill ...

Auntie Sah-wah cutting the fab Dino cake she made. Not sure about the manic expression on her face though. Charlie is having hysterics, can you see his face ? And look at Boo, chomping at the bit for a bit of cake. She's practically sitting on the table.

Blowing out the candles with Samuel unintentionally doing it too. He! He!

Let me at it, let me at it ... Can I have the choc buttons, ooh and the chocolate finger biscuits too. Ooh, ooh and butter icing too. Yum,yum !

A very happy party indeedy. Happy Birthday Charlie x

Sara made dad a delicious birthday cake that we took to the restuarant. Unfortunately, I am allergic to strawberries so I just sniffed it ...

We bought dad a new computer for his birthday between us all and even with a picture on the box he still had no idea what it was. He loves typing up his Fly Fishing notes but the computer he was using was a tad ancient and in danger of losing all his work.

Realisation ... Bless him, he was speechless.

We all went out in the evening for a meal. All of us, altogether ... it rarely happens, but it was lovely that we could do it.

Dad, Mum and Holly (my niece)

Me and Sara, looking very Turqwahs ... (That's posh speak for Turquoise).

Boo looking well chuffed after kidnapping Holly, her cousin. I think she might still be tied up in the pub ...

And here is Stan, Sara's new Neddy, just coming in from his Bo Bo's.

Isn't he a handsome chap ? He's flippin HUGE too ! I'd get vertigo if I rode him. He's an ex-racehorse who must think he's died and gone to heaven.

Stan having a cuddle with his mum, Sara .... I can but dream eh ?
Still, I have Archie, he keeps me busy enough so don't think I'd have time for any more four legged pals.

But, ssh ... Guess what ? Don't tell anyone but I am riding again on Friday after about 15 years out of the saddle. I'm having a half hour assessment first then hopefully it'll be a weekly occurance followed by coffee and cake afterwards. It's got to be worth it, just for that bit hasn't it ?

I'll let you know how I get on. I'm expecting not to be able to walk for a week afterwards !

testing testing!

2009-09-26T23:56:00.003+01:00

just gave another mumsnetter the details for this sorely neglected blog
and wanted to check it all still worked!

well it seems to!

x vInTaGe VioLeT x

Happy Blogiversary To Me

2009-01-04T19:49:00.003Z

I realised today that yesterday was the anniversary of me starting this blog. Amazing that the year went so quickly! I have really enjoyed blogging during the year and have made some lovely blog friends. During the year I have gone from making cards to cross-stitch and from there on to jewellery making. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster!

So...

...to me!

I really hope to be blogging this time next year.

Loony Dook!

2009-01-02T17:55:00.003Z

Hope everyone had a great New Year. I stayed sober 'cos I had plans to take part in the Loony Dook on the 1st - a bunch of us jumped into the freezing cold River Forth to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Mum did it last year & was the first to sign up to do it again so I did it in her memory - it's amazing what seems a good idea when you've had a drink!

This is my Auntie Holda (mum's sister) holding me in the water!

I even lost a shoe! My feet were totally numb & I didn't even feel it come off. I certainly wasn't going back in to look for it :0D

On a crafting front, I've been having fun with my spinning wheel & have spun up some Falkland roving into this -

which is in the process of being crocheted into a headband - pics to follow soon.

S x

Sad news & a chance to help a charity

2008-12-05T13:44:00.003Z

Hiya everyone - long time no see.

I haven't posted here in ages (I've barely posted on mine own blog too) as RL has been giving me a good kicking recently.

My mum was diagnosed with lung cancer back in April - containable but not curable, they said so we were hopeful that with the right care mum would have at least a few decent years left. That was until we discovered it had spread to her brainstem. Mum fought bravely, never once complaing or feeling sorry for herself but sadly on 17th November the cancer won. I feel like such a hole has been left in my life & can't see it ever being filled.

My sister Laura, who has been thinking about doing something mad for charity for a while, has booked herself a solo skydive for 7th February 2009 (the day after what would have been mum's 57th birthday). To help her reach her £1000 target I'm running a prize draw on my blog to win handspun yarn, hand-dyed spinning fibre (also fab for wet felting), stitch markers, etsy gift certs & a project bag - all prizes donated by some of the lovely ladies on the ravelry UK Spinners forum. Every £2 donated gets 1 entry into the draw which is open until 21st December & is open to everyone, everywhere. Full details on the prizes & how to enter can be found on my blog.

Left to right - me, mum & Laura

A bit fed up ... No, not about dog poo this time

2008-12-03T17:39:00.002Z

I don't know who put the sign on our front door that said 'All bugs please stop here' ... but thanks very much !
We spent Saturday afternoon at the out of hours doctors surgery at our local hospital after a terrible night with Boo's croup. How busy was it ? If you don't go in with something you certainly come out with something with all the coughing, spluttering, sneezing and breathing going on.
The croup has subsided but Miss Boo has been left with a horrible irritating night time cough. Sleep? What's that ? Everytime we nod off another coughing extravaganza kicks off. The whole house stinks of Olbas Oil - which is actually quite comforting. Mr Boo will come back from his travels, open up the front door and think he's stepped into the local chemist. What with the pong and the various bottle of Calpol, Nurofen, cough linctus, the inhaler, the steam breathing cup and the giant bottle of Olbas Oil.

You may wonder what the above photo of 'Charlie' the Springer has to do with all this ? Nothing, absolutely nothing but all will be revealed (possibly) in another post soon. That's all I'm saying.

Miss Boo was an angel in her nativity play and wanted wavy 'Angel' hair so we put lots of little plaits in damp hair and Voila ! Isn't it fab ? Very Pans People/ Legs and Co. for those of you who can remember them.

I just love it ! How much hair ? I've been toying with getting it cut shorter but not now, it'd be criminal.
A few odd bits and pieces. Another hair clip zipper pouch for a friend at school and a little hanging for Miss Boo's teacher as an end of term christmas gift. I'm going to make something else too and just thought something handmade would be a bit more special. She's a lovely teacher and Miss Boo loves her.

It's made from a Mohair and Wool wrap that I found in a little charity shop in Cornwall and then I felted it. The colours are wonderful, a mixture of blues and greens and it's a shame the photo's don't do them justice. It's sooooooo soft too.

Short post tonight as most of my time has been spent de-lurgyfying Boo so not a lot of crafting or otherwise going on. I've got my last event on Sunday, it's a traditional Christmas Market within the grounds of Heckfield Place, Nr Hook, Hampshire if anyone is local. It's all in aid of Naomi House, our local children's Hospice which is such an important cause. It sounds very festive with lots going on such as Head Chef cooking demonstrations, Heckfield Place History & Garden Walks, Wine Tasting plus lots more so if you are in the area please do come along and support it.

www.heckfieldplace.com
www.naomihouse.org.uk/

The Whizzz 'To Do' List

2008-12-01T17:43:00.002Z

I'm having a stall at DSs school Christmas Fair on Saturday so I need to :

dig out my notes of what sold well last year
price up some of my bits & bobs
make a few cheaper things (memory wire bangles, phone & bag charms etc)
collect lots of pound coins & change together
when complete - pack all stuff into plastic carry box ready for Saturday!

Thankfully I have enough 'stock' so am fairly organised as far as general stuff to take is concerned! It's always a mad few hours though & I have learnt that all stock + table cloth must be kid-mess-proof !!

Anyone around???

2008-12-01T11:03:00.005Z

Come on ladies...I thought I'd give this blog a bit of a kick and post my to do list this week.

I have set a goal of 8 cards to make. 7 Christmas and 1 Birthday card.

Here is the first one!

Despite having a hectic week ahead, I have commited myself......come and give me a boost and show me what you want to achieve this week!

new crafters forum

2008-08-12T21:53:00.003+01:00

there is a new craft forum called crafteroo - it's only a week old and very friendly - there will be a few familiar faces too ! i've tried to add a link but it doesn't seem to be working for me today!!!
will try again tomorrow x vInTaGe VioLeT x

A parcel from America.

2008-07-22T11:26:00.002+01:00

Well I got a parcel from my swap parcel in America and here is what she sent me (the cat doll), how gorgeous is that!! Dd loves it (of course, she's 'borrowed' it) and it has joined various Gingermonkey toys on her bed, she still sleeps with that lavender mouse that GM made for me. I have parcelled my swap up now I've just got to make the trek to the post office and await with baited breath the arrival of it on the other side of the pond. Thanks M.

Inbetween battling with my doll swap (the hair required tackling a sewing needle and I think you might have guessed by now that handsewing is not my favourite activity), I knocked up a cotton shopping bag. I'm heartily fed up of carrying around a plastic asda 'green' reusuable bag, so I crocheted my own, much better looking alternative to put the 'green' carrier bag in!!. It's fine for lighter shopping but I fear 4 pints of milk may end in carnage!! By the time this photo was taken it had been used for several weeks and I can roll it up and just stick it in my (not exceptionally big) handbag. Soothing therapy and usefulness all rolled up in one little package, bliss.

Inspired by a conversation on a crafting forum (and those responsible for it's inclusion here.... you know who you are ;-) ) I just had to have this charming late 60s pant suit as pattern of the week, I culled it from a dog eared booklet in a collection of patterns that my mum gave me. I do love this booklet in a deeply unironic way, not only does it include bikinis and a knitted all in one playsuit (the joy!!), it also has a crocheted mod wedding dress, complete with cloche type cap. Really it's enough to make you hyperventilate!!

New swap at Mee Crafty

2008-06-24T21:20:00.001+01:00

Hiya
Just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing another swap.
Its a 2 week sign up and a month project, so lots of time.
Here
x

Candy Challenge

2008-06-12T16:35:00.001+01:00

Well it seems like it's taken me forever to get round to doing this & all I have come up with is this simple bracelet. These beads just remind me of wrapped sweets!

Cupcakes, Candy and Ice Cream- A Craft Challenge

2008-05-22T09:42:00.001+01:00

Cupcakes, Candy and Ice Cream- A Craft Challenge

Who can resist the lure of freshly baked and iced cupcakes, sticky sweet candy, and ice cream melting on a hot summer day? This challenge is to craft something with a cupcake, candy or ice cream theme an essential part of summertime and of childhood. Knit an ice cream cone, paint a cupcake, make a card with candy shapes, create jewellery in candy coloured tones, or create softies in candy coloured fabrics. If you need more inspiration feel free to sit down with a bar of chocolate, or a bowl of ice cream, or a handful of your children’s gummy sweets, essential crafting materials most assuredly. So have fun and try not to get too much of a sugar high.

Yet another giveaway!

2008-05-21T09:47:00.001+01:00

Blimey, its like them buses that Jill mentioned!

Mee Crafty giveaway

GIVEAWAY...

2008-05-05T19:05:00.001+01:00

See my blog...

http//chickadeecards.blogspot.com

Pratchgan WIP

2008-05-04T15:50:00.003+01:00

I've finally managed to get up to date photos of the Pratchgan-in-progress.

I was in two minds whether to post them given the shocking state of my carpet in said pics but meh - I've seen worse.

I was also tagged for a meme again t'other day & in return I have tagged GingerMonkey, Whizzz, lucykatecrafts & Meridian Ariel so check your blogs guys :0)

A nice lining (in honour of Chrissnow)

2008-04-29T20:58:00.004+01:00

Along with attempting to finish all the other things in my UFO bag, I have used MILs old curtains to contain some of my needles, hooks, spare balls of wool and other assorted crafting paraphenalia. Now as I may have mentioned, I do love a nice lining and this lovely granny print is no exception, am not mad about dusky rose velour but the lining just makes me feel all warm and happy and it is (dons halo) recycled (the bag that is, not strictly speaking, the lining). And while I am not absolutely in love with the outside, I think if I decorated it with some crochet flowers made out of cream coloured crochet thread, I could rather like it.

Onto one of my neglected UFOs, I have a vintage pattern fetish, which I may have mentioned before and which is indulged quite frequently, yes I am that annoying woman taking up all the counter space with the pattern book in your local age concern! This early 70s Patons pattern is one of a huge book of 60s and 70s patterns that my mum gave me when I first started to knit and crochet and I started it an age ago, in a fit of boredom, I picked it up the other night and started on the increase rows, heaven knows when it will actually be finished, probably in time for my dd's 21st I should think but, I am rather pleased with the way it's going.

Mind you, looking at these photos it looks like I am going through a deeply pink phase, must root out that teal wool to counteract the overwhelming girliness.

Today I turned a corner....and a heel.

2008-04-23T20:30:00.003+01:00

Well the lurgy finally caught up with me, so to while away the hours, I've done some more work on my WIPs for GM and Miaou and finally picked up the socks that I chucked onto the UFO pile sometime ago in disgust. I have made some very simple socks before but I have never turned a heel, so when heel turning time came on these I cocked it up royally, so fed up was I with the whole process that I hid the offending item at the bottom of my knitting bag with visions of ripping the whole lot out 'at some point'.
Because I needed to unearth the bottom of said bag today to look for a knitters needle, I happened upon them and decided to sit down and try and work out how to actually turn the flaming heel for once and all, and you know what, once I actually stopped to look at it properly I could see clearly how it was done. And voila.... I did it, I turned the heel and the switch in my head that insisted it couldn't be done.
I've knitted this in cotton for a purpose, so that I can swathe my manky old feet in half a jar of foot butter at night, slap above mentioned socks on and wake up with delicate, smooth as a babys bottom tootsies. Am enjoying it so much now that I have plans to knit socks for just about everyone I know, yes beware, if you have the misfortune to know me then you too could be the recipient of a pair of cotton bed socks and if you're really lucky a jar of foot butter for satisfying slathering!

dizzyday's vintage swap from vInTaGeVioLeT

2008-04-12T00:02:00.004+01:00

here's what i made for dizzyday - i loved making this - vintage buttons and vintage postcards , my favourites! - these swaps are really helping my creativity !

Mee Craftys first blog swap

2008-04-11T16:08:00.002+01:00

Okey dokey folkeys
Here is my first swap and its all about dolls.

All the details you need to know are on there and the cut off for signing up is on Saturday 19th April, so a week from tomorrow.

I'm going to create a little picture to go on my blog to slightly advertise it and do spread the news so we can get lots of people taking part.

My vintage swap for Gingermonkey (the woman with good fabric taste.)

2008-04-09T21:23:00.003+01:00

Drum roll please.... I have at last finished my vintage swap for Gingermonkey. In truth I doubt I could actually claim that the amiguiri owl is vintage but it was crocheted with charity shop wool (courtesy of The Garden House Hospice in Hitchin, which incidentally is an absolute treasure trove for wool and needles). I am much more pleased with this amiguiri owl than the last one, mainly because I stuffed him with a lot of stuffing (he's very firm but, as a result rather large!) and I popped a couple of curtain weights in the bottom so that he stands up better, he still topples over a bit after a while but I didn't want him to be so heavy that he caused injury if thrown at someone!

The sachets (one for GM and one as a thank you for nbg) I feel are much more in keeping with the vintage theme, you don't really see them about much in these supersonic high tech days and they are basically my MILs old curtains cut up and used as an inner lining with a couple of filet crochet panels sewn on top. Filet crochet is also one of those old worldy things that you don't seem to see much of these days and I love doing filet crochet, it feels really calming and I really enjoyed making them. And although I have done filet crochet in the past, it's a long time since I picked up a small steel crochet hook (always small steel hooks for fine crochet) and a bit of cream coloured thread and actually done some, I even enjoyed sewing the lining and I am not a lady who enjoys hand sewing much usually. Although I popped a couple of rosewood balls in with the stuffing so hope the recipients like rose, still I'm sure if not they can find someone to gift them to.

Enjoy!!

Vintage Swap - Whizzz & Nbg

2008-04-05T15:21:00.003+01:00

I thought I'd post the photos of what myself & Nbg swapped in the Vintage inspired swap.

Nbg sent me this wonderfully sparkly crystal (Swarovski if I'm not mistaken) necklace in my favourite colours of the moment - purple and green. Thankyou so much Nbg!

The word 'Vintage' said pearls to me, so I made a necklace and earrings using white freshwater pearls and crystals in a 'dusty vintage' pinky colour for Nbg.

My vintage treat from Gm.

2008-04-02T20:54:00.001+01:00

I'm obviously a lucky, lucky girl this week, I got paired with Gingermonkey again for our MN vintage swap and this gorgeous bag with two lavender mice is my reward. Of course darling daughter has snaffled one of the mice to stash in her vest drawer, she abides by the mantra 'what is yours is also mine', I will get my revenge by spending her inheritance on fancy fabric! The gorgeous bag is now living in my handbag and keeps together my tissues, lippy and compact because I love the idea of nonchantly pulling out a bag made of gorgeous vintage fabric to retrieve my 'nose blowers' (copyright dd), plus it means I can easily find those bits and bobs that would otherwise entail a 15 minute hunt throught the warzone that is my handbag.

Last week I finished my first attempt at amiguiri, this owl was featured in Crochet Today last year, I'm fairly pleased with it but my next attempt will involve more stuffing, I think. That aside I was rather chuffed with her obvious delight at receiving it and it hasn't left her bed since.

Another kind mner, this time Nbg, offered up some leftover fabric on our craft board and kindly said I could have it. It's perfect for lining bags, I do love a nice lining in a bag. Of course dd has her eye on it to make flowers with, so I might save her a square!
This week I've mainly been finishing my swap(s) for Gm, which are nearly done, of course I need to go to the habby stall at Hitchin market (it's my new addiction) for a couple of things and then, I'm done. Will blog results at the weekend, hopefully, along with a few photos of our growing button collection (courtesy of every charity shop within a 20 mile radius of us).

Sneaky Peeks...

2008-03-30T23:23:00.002+01:00

A little teaser pic for Jacqui. My Vintage swap creation (which is being posted out tomorrow)

It's made from vintage 1950s fabric, some old liberty print fabric, vintage mother of pearl buttons (thank you - Vintage Violet!) and some other ingrediants. I hope you like it, Jacqui!!!!

Inspiration- a Challenge

2008-03-28T19:33:00.001Z

What inspires you?

Music. Colour. Sound. A walk in the woods? The crashing of waves at sea. Beautiful blogs. Etsy creations. Old photos.

This week’s challenge is to find something that inspires you. Find something that inspires you, a tree, an orange, a single bead, a doll, a painting, or the view out of your bathroom window. Sketch it, photograph it, document it in some way and then craft something with that inspirational item in mind.

Happy Crafting Ladies,

Meri

The Easter Swaps in all their Glory

2008-03-27T17:01:00.005Z

I've been surfing this blog plus our own ones and I think that I've collected pictures of all our swaps to each other.

I've saved them here so I hope we can all see them.

I say that we were all very lucky.

A present from the delightful Gingermonkey and a ramble.

2008-03-19T11:56:00.001Z

Thought I 'd show you one of the things that I've been up to in the last few months, here, modelled by my very own handsome ds (it's in the genes you know!) is the cuff that he nagged me to make, it took me longer to thread the beads onto the wool than it did to actually knit it but it was my first real go at knitting with beads and it was blissfully easy. It's a pattern from the ubiquitous Debbie Stoller, think it's the Stitch 'n' Bitch tome. Unfortunately he showed it to his mates and now they all want one!! They're Emo's you know!

As part of the Emo thing, he's had me rooting about in charity shops for suitable t- shirts (which is obviously a real hardship ;-), he really wanted a Slipknot t-shirt and I explained that you can't always find exactly what you want , it doesn't work like that. And would you believe it .... after a few weeks of dedicated charity rummaging, yes I found one, along with a couple of punk rock festival t-shirts and one with nirvana type doodlings on. You can crown me queen of the charity shop rummage if you want. While I was there I picked up the 2mm needles I needed for the cuff, I'm sure I have some but they're currently in hiding. Of course, he's picked up the charity shop habit now and can be found amongst the boxes of old LPs , searching for hidden treasure, when he's not mugging old ladies , of course.

On to this delightful chick, courtesy of the divine Gingermonkey, it was my swap in return for my knitted breast, sorry I meant cupcake. To avoid the hassle of prising it from the grubby mitts of my dd, I waited until she went to school to take this photo, it should be noted that she's also appropriated the lavender sachet that went with it (which I was going to scent my undie drawers with) and put it her wardrobe to make her clothes smell nice! I got my revenge by nicking one of the chocolate eggs that came with it.

The Happy Book Challenge

2008-03-15T14:46:00.002Z

OK, the challenge is ... are you brave enough to share some pics of your sketch books/source books?

I have blogged some pictures from my source books here - I collect pictures of images that inspire me. I'm inviting you to share some pics of your own so we can marvel at the creative process! Meridian has set the ball rolling here but would love to see some more pics.

If you can show a sketch and also the finished object, even better! It can be fascinating to see how these things change and evolve.

Here's a pic from one of my happy books to get you going ... !

Blog Spot!!

2008-03-14T21:45:00.002Z

Just been blog hopping and came across THIS fabby post.

Just yummmmm

Swap from JeanGenie to Whizzz

2008-03-14T14:44:00.004Z

The postie brought my Easter swap parcel from JeanGenie yesterday & here is what it contained :-

A cute lavender scented Egg containing smaller eggs

A lovely card (sorry forgot to include it in the photo)

A box of really scrummy Thorntons chocs (sadly now only the wrappers are left!)

The eggs are currently hanging in my conservatory near my beading table & smelling lovely. Thankyou JeanGenie :-)

2008-03-12T14:04:00.006Z

I received my Easter swap from Fiona (Fubsy) yesterday, and what a lovely gift it was too.
I opened up my package to find a beautiful little egg cosy with the most pretty embellishments, including twinkly crystals, on the top. It's just too nice to use and so will sit in my cabinet on display.

Fiona also gave me a sweet little l'occitane soap and some Kernow (Cornish) choccy bunnies. If you look very carefully there is one missing already - now how did that happen ?

Thank-you Fiona !
I have been rushing around today and just finished a biscuit making session with Boo so I am going to sit down this afternoon with a cuppa and a choccy bunny.

Fiona asked me to blog my easter swap gift to her too. I'm sure most of you have seen this on my blog before but here it is again.

don't panic this is only a test

2008-03-11T16:56:00.002Z

just trying to sort the blog out and tinker with it... i think i have sorted out the everyone posting under fubsy thing.... i think... and jsut tinkering with new title image but not got the colour right yet.... it should all be tip top tommorow.

meri

Easter swap from VintageViolet to JBR

2008-03-10T10:27:00.003Z

I got this on Saturday, and really needed the boost it gave me! Megan made it for the nursery - my baby is due in 8 weeks - and so I love the personalised '2008' in the corner! The colours are so vivid, and the buttons so cute - even my son, normally too cool to show enthusiasm, was impressed!!! Thank you Megan, and for the little Easter basket - you are ace - here's a big kiss {Mwah!}
JBR
xxx

Easter Swap to Ranting Housewife

2008-03-09T18:33:00.003Z

A bit late posting this pic - sorry!!!!!

Here's my swap prezzie for the lovely ranting housewife (well, her little 'un). I made a lavender sachet too...but being my hugely useless self, I can't find the pic I took. Hmmmm. Best go and have a cup of tea and some cake to make myself feel better!!!

And finally ...

2008-03-09T14:45:00.002Z

... at last I have pulled my finger out and become part of the MN arts and crafts blog! Hello everyone.

I know, it was AGES ago now, but Meridian challenged us to produce something recycled and blue. I had two denim pinafores and a denim skirt in a corner that dd2 had grown out of, and I had been wondering what to do with them for ages … here was the inspiration! I decided to make a patchwork bag, but when I cut out the squares I discovered I actually had enough for two bags (well, I did once dd2 presented me with a pair of jeans she had outgrown too!) I like the frayed look of denim so made the bags with the seams facing outwards. Before making the bag up I sewed round each square to ensure that it didn’t fray right back to the seams. Note I said "bag". I made dd1's bag first. Poor dd2 is still waiting (oops)

Ravelry swapsies

2008-03-09T08:50:00.005Z

The parcels have arrived & finally have something I can blog!

This was the ”I’m just sending this box so my partner can have cardboard for their boots and I was guilted into putting stuff in it” swap - you have to be a Discworld fan to understand the humour in this. If you're not a fan go read some of Terry Pratchett's fantastic books & you soon will be.

I've blogged it in more detail on mine own blog & I hope to be adding more WIP pics of the Pratchgan there very soon too.

GreebosWhiskers to Dior

2008-03-08T10:12:00.001Z

Here is the lovely present from GW! I have posted more stuff about it on my blog. It it REALLY cute, so thanks to GW. The Creme Egg didn't last long I'm afraid...

Whizz Swap Glimpse - postage delayed due to 2nd round of pox

2008-03-06T22:06:00.000Z

Whizz...your, ahem, "treat" is ready however I have been prevented from getting to the PO due to 2nd round of chicken pox blighting our homestead...

It will get posted at weekend...

In the meantime, here's a little taster...can ya gis wot it is yit?

Vintage Violet got her Easter swap!

2008-03-05T21:16:00.000Z

So for my Easter swap to Vintage Violet I made a cross stitch Easter bunny card and a little bag, sewed to close with blue ribbon...

...which held some chocolate eggs and lollipops.

Glad you liked them VV!
JBR
xxx

Easter swap for Vintage Violet finished!

2008-03-04T09:46:00.001Z

Until she gets it in the post, here is just a sneak peek at the Easter themed things I made for Vintage Violet!

I chose Spring colours and spent ages faffing with little details... I could have spent ages longer but if I don't get this posted before the end of the week I will be late with it! Hope you like it Megan, I am such a novice compared to most of the folk on here!
xxx

Easter swap - received from Whizz...

2008-03-03T13:12:00.000Z

this beautiful earring and bracelet set...aren't they lovely?

there was also a gorgeous keyring which the smallfry love so much thay have ferretted it away and won't tell me where, when I get it back (AND I WILL, you hear me kids?!) I will photo and post it...and some delicious mini creme eggs - you should try these, they are MUCH nicer than the big ones which have far too much goo in them for my liking...these mini ones are perfect goo to chocolate ratio

whizz...yours is in progress and will be posted as soon as is finished

THANKS AGAIN!

Finished My Swap!!

2008-03-03T00:54:00.000Z

I have finally today finished my Easter Swap so it will be whizzing it's way to Miaou in the morning.

Here's a sneeky peek!!

Here's my Self Indulgence

2008-03-02T14:27:00.000Z

Today I hid myself away in the conservatory, put on my MP3 player with it's eclectic range of music and rifled through my beady stash. I have a couple of lovely focal lampwork beads made by Tania Grey so I decided today to stop just looking at them and to actually make something!

This focal is a whopper, a really heavy encased bead with swirly purples, green leaves and tiny pale purple & white flowers. I put it with lilac opaque, lime green and clear seed beads and it's just for ME!

(sorry if the colours appear wonky - I am having trouble with my PC monitor)

A little swap for that glorious mner GM!

2008-02-29T21:46:00.001Z

On mumsnet, that hallowed website where mums judge each others lifestyle choices, sorry I meant support each other ;-), there is a busy corner named the arts and crafts section, which boasts the nicest bunch of mners you are ever likely to meet. In the general spirit of bonhomie which occurs on this corner of the site, one of the arts and crafts ladies decided to set up a craft swap, swappees were decided by lottery and there was a theme, although I didn't, in true rebellious spirit, stick to it and I couldn't think of anything suitably 'Easter'.
Knowing my swap partner is a keen and talented softee maker and knowing she does so with bare hands, rather than machine, made me think she may like a pin cushion. So voila!
I used the pattern from last months issue of Knit Today and although I had a bit of a wrestle with the top icing, due to the stuffing, which led to a few stitches being looser than I would have liked, I'm fairly chuffed with it. Well I was until darling husband said it reminded him of a breast!
I crocheted a bag to put it in with some stash wool and bought a metre of ribbon from the local market to top it off with. Hope you like it GM!

A little Self Indulgence or A Sense of Spring Challenge

2008-02-26T18:59:00.000Z

A little Self Indulgence

Everyone needs a little me time, a little self indulgence. Crafting is no exception because though you love to craft it isn’t always something for you. Its something to sell, a gift to make for a friend, another thing for the kids. When was the last time you actually sat down and made something just for you? Made something for the sheer joy of your chosen craft ?

The challenge is to put on your favourite cd, sit in the middle of your crafting space, and see what the music inspire you to do. Go on be selfish and make something for you and you alone.

Or

A Sense of Spring

Inspired by the little yellow flower I found while walking today I want you to create something inspired by the colour and essence of spring. It can be anything you like, any colour, but it must be your interpretation of spring. I know we have all been busy doing the Easter swap, but I want this to be more than chocolate bunnies, and coloured Easter eggs. This about all the things that mean spring to you, daffodils, and new born lambs, laundry snapping on the line, walks in the woods, the fresh green of new leaves and grasses. Blue skies, and bright sunshine.

as always this challenge is about fun, so please have fun with it.

-Meri

Eye patch tutorial,

2008-02-25T12:55:00.001Z

Thought I would post this here too, it is the eye patch I made for Lucy, full tutorial is here. I've made these before but had to make a new one a couple of weeks ago as it went missing. I thought she had hidden it in protest (she's not keen on patching!), but it has since turned up in my dressing gown pocket, oops!

take a bow MN crafters...

2008-02-24T20:27:00.001Z

I've given you all an award here (just realised that seems to include giving an award to myself, which isn't quite what I'd intended - am not quite that self-congratulatory - I swear!)

The Award originally came from
Arte Y Pico's Blog
The Award rules are:
* Post the award on your own blog.(Post who gave it to you) - so I've done this bit
*Indicate its original link and link to that site. (Arte Y Pico from Uruguay) - and this bit
*Give the award to 5 other blogs that you enjoy, find creative and inspire you - now you guys need to nominate some inspiring blogs for us all to enjoy...

feel free to put this on your own blogs, as long as you follow the rules above

I am so glad I found the MN craft forum - it's the bees knees, the cats pyjamas and a daily inspiration...

My first post here-feeling blue!

2008-02-24T13:53:00.000Z

Better late than never-I have finally risen to the challenge! Had such fun working on this-thank you for the great inspiration!

love Dingle!

Easter Swap - Miaou to Dizzyday

2008-02-23T21:27:00.000Z

Today I received my swap from Miaou. It came wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a ribbon.

Upon opening I found .....

A gorgeous little purple knitted bag that closes with a drawstring. It's been knitted in the round (I think it's called that!!) and has a spiralling pattern.

Inside was a little bag of chocolates - yum yum.

Thank you Jill - It's lovely xx

meeting the recycling challenge...

2008-02-21T20:37:00.001Z

this is one I expect to return to...great challenge Meridian

I made a needle book from some old felted sweaters

better than spending a tenner at Cath Kidston and something I've always wanted

I love the little bow at the back - I was aiming for a kind of vintage lingerie look and by jove I think I've got it!

Little dollie present

2008-02-21T14:42:00.001Z

I made this little lady last night with the fabric I bought from a shop I had totally forgot about (thanks to my hubby for reminding me).

Madison has a party on Saturday so this is going to be her present. I just hope she likes it as much as I enjoyed making her.

Blue challenge

2008-02-20T07:34:00.000Z

Here is my blue challenge - I thought I would try making some bracelets with the beads I normally stick on cards!
JBR xxx

Blue!

2008-02-19T02:48:00.000Z

Here's a blue card - just a simple one so be nice

Recycled and Blue!!

2008-02-18T14:54:00.000Z

In answer to the "Blue" and "Recycled" challenges here is my offering.

It is made from a shirt that DS has grown out of. The design was too big to cut it down to cover a cushion but it was just big enough to squash a pillow into!!

I put the sleeves inside and sewed (sp?) the seams shut. The collar is still on (though a bit dark in the picture to see) so the neck opening was sewn shut too.

Sneaky Peek

2008-02-17T19:46:00.003Z

RantingHousewife - this is for you!!!! A little teaser pic of the 'thing' I'm making you as part of the Easter Swap.

2008-02-17T12:08:00.000Z

Hopefully better late than never - heres my blue item.

It's an Anthropologie inspired shrug from a pattern I found on Ravelry.

Too Chilly!

2008-02-17T10:58:00.001Z

I've decided it's too chilly to bead today as my conservatory (AKA My Beady Workspace!) takes far too long to warm up. However I almost forgot the sets of stitchmarkers I made yesterday. Some are the 10mm rings and some are the opening type. I think they look rather sweet & I will be taking them to the craft fair at the end of the month.

Knitters - is 4 a good number for a set do you think?

My first beading experience

2008-02-17T08:38:00.000Z

As well as being scared of sewing machines and dolls legs I was also a bit wary of beading wire and prefered to stick to chains.

I did a bit of research and then spent spent spent.

So far this is what I've done.......

The bracelet is Smokey Quartz and silver and the necklace is Garnet and Carnelian. Its actually really relaxing to do. All I need now is for someone to volunteer to take the mini beasts for the day so I can spend some real time doing it.

I've also submitted the photo I took of the candy cables to the Guardian newspaper. They're doing a section called "In pictures" and they change the theme of it. The next theme they have asked for is "symmetry". I think the prize is some sort of camera. So fingers crossed!

Easter Swap - Dior to GreebosWhiskers...

2008-02-15T17:13:00.000Z

Here is the first official picture of my swap...

I have Recycled!

2008-02-14T14:12:00.000Z

Here is my effort at recycling and re-using. I took two bracelets 'donated' by Gingermonkey for recyling a while back ........

I took them apart and managed to make a few bits & bobs. I had to add a few seed beads and a couple of other beads & earwires - but here's what I came up with.

The orange beads are acrylic and quite kitsch but I rather like them & have used them in some funky earrings and a key fob.

The green beads were really quite sweet and I made two pairs of earrings. In the green bracelet was something that looked a bit like turquoise chips (not sure if it's real or imitation) but I used them to make another pair of earrings.

The toggles I will definately use in the future, probably on bracelets as they are lovely and chunky.

Recycle - Reuse - Re-craft - A Challenge

2008-02-13T16:16:00.001Z

Recycle - Reuse - Re-craft
This week’s challenge is to do some craft recycling!

We all have excess bits of crafting materials at home, that seem to multiply so lets put those bits to good use. Repaint and old canvas, turn curtains into clothes, clothes into dolls.

Alternatively have a rummage around your local thrift/charity shop and turn something unwanted and shabby into something crafty and chic. Pilfer the car boot box, Fight off the spiders lurking in the attic. Ask friends or family if they have any fabric, frames, junk jewellery, flower pots, floor tiles, anything you can get crafty with.

A Few Ideas:

Felt an old woollen jumper, or unpick it wash the yarn and knit something new.

Find an old wooden picture frame, sand it down and paint it and frame a painting, a drawing, scraps of fabric, etc.

Recycle old beaded jewellery from something old and unworn into a newer more contemporary piece.

Recycle old jeans into toys, wallets, ornaments.

Recycle magazine or newspaper or old fabric into card craft.

Paint old pine furniture, or boxes.

I want before and after pictures of your recycled crafts. And no cheating and buying new!
Most of all have fun and Recycle, Reuse and Re-craft.

- Meri

Lucy's map...

2008-02-13T11:12:00.001Z

I haven't got round to doing anything blue yet, so thought I would enter this instead, as I love the blue ocean and sky.

It is Lucy's map that she made at saturday 'art club', she's so proud of it, has been showing it to everyone.

You can read the explanation of the spellings here.

Blue Challenge - Whizzz

2008-02-12T13:02:00.000Z

Here's my Blue Challenge piece - a bracelet made with aqua and white seed beads. I was inspired after looking back through my photos of the Cornish sea (see my blog) and thought I'd try and capture the blue of the sea, with the white foam. I've used loops and fringes on the bracelet to try and get some movement.

Good grief, I have completed some knitting!

2008-02-11T17:07:00.000Z

Using big fat needles and bobbly wool hides a multitude of sins! I am quite pleased with this as it's lovely and soft. The wool only cost me £3 for 3 balls so it is also a bargain - even better! I am a terrible knitter and can't do anything more adventurous than plain knitting in (more or less!) equal rows!

I also started playing with blue beads today for the Challenge, but ended up dismantling things. Hopefully I will be more inspired tomorrow. I seem to have the ideas but when I sit down & try and actually put the ideas into practice, it ends up being 'not quite right'. Anyway, I have sold my purple multi strand necklace to a friend and with the proceeds I have ordered some more beads to make a couple more in different colours & my mum might also get one for Mothers Day!

blue challenge- meridian

2008-02-11T09:43:00.000Z

tourquoise bracelet

blue agate hair bobble

these are my second and third attempt at something blue, the first went a bit titanic on me and I'll not go into it. I quite like the hair bobble and may do some more with a few large beads I have and refine the technique a little bit.

EASTER SWAP - PARTNERS POSTED!!!

2008-02-10T21:02:00.000Z

Didn't think it was fair to keep you waiting any longer ;0)

meridian <-------> Nbg
Whizzz <-------> jeangenie
Dingle <-------> Champs
GingerMonkey <-------> rantinghousewife
GreebosWhiskers <-------> Dior
JackBlackRoadie <-------> VintageViolet
Fubsy <-------> Tillyboo
Dizzyday07 <-------> Miaou

I assigned everyone a number alphabetically & made dh call out pairs (took a while amid the cracks about being like the Scottish cup draw, when are the fixtures being played etc :0/). I'll try to get partners' contact details emailed out over the next few days but I think we're pretty much all HERE on the blog anyway aren't we?

Happy crafting :0)

ETA :- have updated to include poor Dior (sorry sorry sorry) who I got confused with WWB who isn't even signed up for this one . . .oh dear.

A little blue cheat

2008-02-09T10:54:00.000Z

Now I have started the blue challenge but just in case I don't get it done I've posted this. If Tillyboo can do it ;)
It was taken last year in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

Blue - An exploding gift box

2008-02-09T09:41:00.001Z

Well, 'better late than never' should become my motto! I have made an exploding gift box (where the sides collapse when you take the lid off) for the 'blue' challenge...

vInTaGe VioLeT's Button Sale

2008-02-08T10:51:00.000Z

bags of mixed size plastic vintage buttons -
vintage condition,unwashed straight from the button box(some crazing etc)

browns/beiges x 50 £1.50
beiges/taupes x 50 " "
grey x 50 "
black x 50 "
white x 50 "
pearly white x 50 " "

yellow x 25 £1.00
red x 25 £1.00
green x 25 £1.00
blue x 25 £1.00

vintage white linen(grubby) x 50 £2.00

vintage m.o.p. x 50 £3.50

many more styles available!!!! please feel free to email me for more infomation at
maximumrabbitdesigns@yahoo.co.uk

-vInTaGe VioLeT

Hi, Blue....

2008-02-07T21:03:00.001Z

and here's mine - must admit I feel a bit silly posting it after the first two beautiful submissions but hey ho, that's not what it's all about, right???

anyway....

it's a card that allowed me to play with my pinking shears and my latest favourite vice of sewing fabric to card (when it's not milk cartons!). The fabric is from a pair of cotton pyjama bottoms that I bought from Primark in the largest size they had just so I could get as much fabric as possible to cut up. Primark pyjama bottoms, my top tip...

Blue ...

2008-02-07T14:09:00.000Z

In-case I do not manage to make 'blue', here's a photo taken last year of Boo on the beach in Bude.
Blue Sky, Blue sea-side top, blue bucket, blue spade ....

I'd like to say that the sea was sparkling blue but this is England ....

Blue

2008-02-06T12:49:00.001Z

As part of the Blue challenge, set by Meridian (and as a reward for making the horrible tablecloth for my friend - no you can't see pictures of my wonky sewing) I have made this little lady. She's not actually finished, her legs are pinned on not sewn yet (I'm going to have some lunch first, ok?). She has blue needlecord for a dress, blue legs, and a lovely blue flower embroidered onto a button (not by me, I might add, that's be pushing the boat out a little too far!)

So there you go. Bluebell? Seems a fitting name.

What did I miss?

2008-02-05T21:17:00.000Z

Since Ravelry took over my life I've been neglecting MN a tad - did I miss a big barney?

I've been working away here but have nothing to show for it 'cos I forgot to get pics taken before I sent everything out (oops).

Still, I've managed 2 and a half pairs of crocheted lace-up fingerless gloves (my own new design & I still have a pair here so will hopefully get pics), a crocheted heart-shaped coaster for my mum, a granny square for Thom's afghan on Rav, a teacup cosy for a swap (again on Rav) & now I'm halfway through a scarf for FIL's 70th birthday this week. I hope he'll like it but I suspect he'll like the special edition Ardbeg single malt he's getting along with it a little more :0)

Etsy Yummie

2008-02-04T18:58:00.000Z

On a regular "etsy drool" I came across these scrummie bags

I love the diaper bags with matching changing mats..... really sweet and you get a custom monogram too!!

Hello Mumsnetters!

2008-02-04T17:54:00.001Z

Hi guys! Just a quick post because ds is at Beavers. I am feeling a lot better now and have actually managed a little cross stitch today - so will be accepting the 'blue' challenge. I have some lovely shades of blue felt that I will have a play with...

Photos soon!

Whizzz's Craft Clearout !

2008-02-04T15:15:00.000Z

Sale Item:

LOLLIPOP Uppercase alphabet set in VVGC in fact some of the dies haven't been taken out of their plastic bags ! £65 inc £5 P&P

please contact Whizzz

A Colour Challenge

2008-02-04T11:10:00.000Z

Our first challenge in this brand new crafters blog is a colour challenge. Inspired by the blue storm front I observed over Sainsbury's last week the colour for the challenge is blue, any blue you so desire, dark blue, light blue, teal just as long as there is some element of blue in your crafting.

the medium is anything you wish, beads, paint, cards, fabric, papier machet, etc

due date: Monday the 18th of Feb (in two weeks time) if you finish your challenge before the due date please feel free to post your pictures here at anytime.

Happy Crafting Ladies

- meridian

What a way to spend a saturday!

2008-02-02T22:22:00.000Z

Well, while the great mumsnet buying & selling debate continued, this is what I got up to...

Julie Arkell gave a fascinating workshop, I was stunned watching her beautifully create one of her papier mache creatures.

She makes it look so easy...

If you're brave enough, you can see my attempts here!

Halloooooo

2008-02-02T20:09:00.000Z

Tis Nbg here.
Just checking this is working for moi.

Chief Bickerer

2008-02-02T19:05:00.001Z

Hi all. I am signing in here just to see if I can! MN kickstarted my card making and then gave me the encouragement to try beading, it's so sad to see it spiralling out of control. I love the A&C board because you know you can always get an honest opinion and loads of encouragement and ideas from others. I have managed to up date my Blog today with a few bits and bobs.

mumsnet bickering

2008-02-02T15:18:00.000Z

linen

mother of pearl

today i've got involved in a silly "discussion" about selling our surplus craft supplies on the arts & crafts section - so i vote that we sell our stuff on here instead - is that ok with everyone?

i have sucessfully sold several bags of vintage buttons and would like to continue - i also have beads - ribbons - cotton lace and probably fabrics too if only i could clear a path to to cupboard!!!!!

vInTaGe VioLeT

Just Signing in!!

2008-02-02T15:03:00.000Z

Hiya!! tis champs here

just checking posting from my dash board.

Easter Swap

2008-01-30T11:48:00.000Z

Easter Swap

Either 1 medium or 2 small Easter-themed items.

I'll leave the details entirely up to the individual as you all know what constitutes small or medium for your own particular passion. Between £3 to £4 is the suggested amount to spend on this our first Mumsnet Crafters Swap.

Sign up on the mumsnset thread by 11th February. Partners will be posted on the 12 of February.

Parcels should be mailed no later than the 10th of March.

Participants so far are:

GreebosWhiskers
vInTaGeVioLeT
Rantinghousewife
Gingermonkey
Dior
jeangenie
Dizzyday07
Meridian
Fubsy
Dingle
Whizzz
Nbg
Tillyboo
JackBlackRoady
Miaou

champs

Let us know if you have been missed.

Arts and Crafts

2008-01-30T10:21:00.000Z

Welcome to the new Mumsnet Arts and Crafts blog. Where we can share and collaborate on arts and crafts projects, challenges, swaps, share information and collect favorite websites and blogs. This is a work in progress and more to come soon. Right Ladies?

meridian