A birthday card that I made using a 'pre-loved' picture.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Monday, 27 February 2012
Monday in the making
Ok...now to show what I was working on over the weekend...
I thought I would use the same butterfly pattern from the cushion I made earlier to make a little wall hanging. This one is relatively small, as I wanted to make sure I could piece this wall hanging altogether. I am very happy with the result. I have a design for a train cushion and I might also make the same design as a wall hanging as well. I also have some ideas for some more personalised wall hangings and a simple, chic design suitable for a lounge room.
I thought I would use the same butterfly pattern from the cushion I made earlier to make a little wall hanging. This one is relatively small, as I wanted to make sure I could piece this wall hanging altogether. I am very happy with the result. I have a design for a train cushion and I might also make the same design as a wall hanging as well. I also have some ideas for some more personalised wall hangings and a simple, chic design suitable for a lounge room.
What would you like to see on a wall hanging?
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Weekend Wonders - On the list
This weekend I used something new...
I have been working on a canvas over the weekend and today I finally finished putting it all together. I purchased a staple gun so that I could staple the fabric to the back of the canvas. That in itself seems to evoke danger.
Our little dog can be the bravest little thing at times. He barks at any stranger that comes to our door and is willing to stand up to other dogs, even those that are bigger than himself. Yet, at times, he can be the biggest scaredy dog. Mr T just needs to watch his favourite game show and our little dog is by my side wanting attention, pawing at me. There are a number of things that our dog doesn't like: anything with buzzers (this includes game shows), thunder, haircuts and computer games. He has now accepted the iron (he used to hate the hissing) and the sandwich maker (it makes a sound as it heats up). But this weekend we can now add 'staple gun' to his 'don't like' list. As soon as I started to use it, he was over by Mr T's side and pawing at him. Unfortunately for him, there was no way I was going to stop using it. Hopefully, given time, he will come to accept it as I do need it as part of my craft.
This weekend has been a very hot one where we live. Not one to spend too much time outdoors, but it was great to stay indoors and relax and craft. I did treat myself to a couple of iced coffees though...mmm...yum. Got to love warm weather sometimes.
I have been working on a canvas over the weekend and today I finally finished putting it all together. I purchased a staple gun so that I could staple the fabric to the back of the canvas. That in itself seems to evoke danger.
Our little dog can be the bravest little thing at times. He barks at any stranger that comes to our door and is willing to stand up to other dogs, even those that are bigger than himself. Yet, at times, he can be the biggest scaredy dog. Mr T just needs to watch his favourite game show and our little dog is by my side wanting attention, pawing at me. There are a number of things that our dog doesn't like: anything with buzzers (this includes game shows), thunder, haircuts and computer games. He has now accepted the iron (he used to hate the hissing) and the sandwich maker (it makes a sound as it heats up). But this weekend we can now add 'staple gun' to his 'don't like' list. As soon as I started to use it, he was over by Mr T's side and pawing at him. Unfortunately for him, there was no way I was going to stop using it. Hopefully, given time, he will come to accept it as I do need it as part of my craft.
This weekend has been a very hot one where we live. Not one to spend too much time outdoors, but it was great to stay indoors and relax and craft. I did treat myself to a couple of iced coffees though...mmm...yum. Got to love warm weather sometimes.
I hope that you had a lovely weekend!
Friday, 24 February 2012
Friday thoughts - In an octopus' garden
On Monday I visited the beach. There is nothing like the smell of the salty air, however, when I was there it was very breezy! There were lots of things washed up on the beach: shells, various types of seaweed, sea urchins, cuttlefish (the white inside bit)...there is always something interested to find.
As part of my work I have been busy drawing and researching sea creatures. It has been interesting to find out their size and put it into perspective. One of the smallest whales that I researched was six metres long. When I actually measured out six metres and looked at it, I was amazed at how big that is, and that was only one of the smallest whales let alone a Blue Whale! The children that I work with were also amazed at the size of these creatures and can't wait to have pictures of these creatures displayed.
People use this 'theme' element in decorating rooms, especially a child's bedroom or a bathroom. Blue is usually the colour of choice with sea elements created by quilts, curtains and cushions featuring sea creatures. Mobiles and wall decorations can also depict shells, sea creatures or nautical elements. I thought this would be the ultimate sea themed bedroom...
Even the bed is part of the theme as it is in the shape of a boat. I also like the 'jetty pegs' that are near the boat, next to the steps to help little one to board their boat bed, ready to drift off to sleep.
As part of my work I have been busy drawing and researching sea creatures. It has been interesting to find out their size and put it into perspective. One of the smallest whales that I researched was six metres long. When I actually measured out six metres and looked at it, I was amazed at how big that is, and that was only one of the smallest whales let alone a Blue Whale! The children that I work with were also amazed at the size of these creatures and can't wait to have pictures of these creatures displayed.
People use this 'theme' element in decorating rooms, especially a child's bedroom or a bathroom. Blue is usually the colour of choice with sea elements created by quilts, curtains and cushions featuring sea creatures. Mobiles and wall decorations can also depict shells, sea creatures or nautical elements. I thought this would be the ultimate sea themed bedroom...
This bedroom was displayed on www.cool-kids-rooms.com and designed by Diane Snider.
Even the bed is part of the theme as it is in the shape of a boat. I also like the 'jetty pegs' that are near the boat, next to the steps to help little one to board their boat bed, ready to drift off to sleep.
Do you use a theme element in decorating?
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Monday, 20 February 2012
Monday in the making
I thought that I would share with you what I was busy crafting over the week. I finally finished it on the weekend.
This butterfly cushion would brighten any room, with felt applique and stitching and beads to add detail. It has an envelope backing to allow access to the cushion insert if needed. It is available for purchase in Tupsy Turvy Designs Madeit store.
I have a design for a boys cushion that will have a train motif on it...too big to contain on one cushion! I can't wait to get into this next design!
I am also going to transform these little butterflies into canvas hangings that can decorate a wall in a bedroom. Things will be busy at Tupsy Turvy Designs.
I have a design for a boys cushion that will have a train motif on it...too big to contain on one cushion! I can't wait to get into this next design!
I am also going to transform these little butterflies into canvas hangings that can decorate a wall in a bedroom. Things will be busy at Tupsy Turvy Designs.
I hope to show you more soon!
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Weekend Wonders - Taming the tiger
I must admit I was a little nervous...
I hadn't 'unleashed' my sewing machine in a little while. As you can tell by reading the description of my products, they are hand sewn. However, my latest project called on me to set up my sewing machine and give it a whirl.
It's not fancy and can't do fancy things, but it sews. After spending a little time with it, I was quite pleased with the work that we produced. I will show the final product in my blog post tomorrow (if you visit my facebook page, you will get a sneak peak). I look forward to unleashing this 'tiger' a little more to sew up the final stage of my cushions, as I plan to make more.
I had a quite a busy weekend as Mr T was away and I had to keep the household running. It did mean that I spent a little more time than usual on my craft last night as I really wanted my cushion finished. Today was spent at church in the morning and lunch with friends in the afternoon. I do have some work to do tonight but hopefully I can get another project started as well, if I can squeeze in some time.
I hadn't 'unleashed' my sewing machine in a little while. As you can tell by reading the description of my products, they are hand sewn. However, my latest project called on me to set up my sewing machine and give it a whirl.
I had a quite a busy weekend as Mr T was away and I had to keep the household running. It did mean that I spent a little more time than usual on my craft last night as I really wanted my cushion finished. Today was spent at church in the morning and lunch with friends in the afternoon. I do have some work to do tonight but hopefully I can get another project started as well, if I can squeeze in some time.
I hope that you had a lovely weekend!
Oohh... just had to add...
I enjoyed reading a blog post from 'Red Elephant Creative' about sewing machines. You may want to check this out as well (below is the link)...
red elephant creative social paperware for special affairs: The day vintage saved my life....:
Lately I have been dreaming up a blog post called...'a slave to
vintage'...every time I try to jam shut my old antique wardrobe, every
time ...
Friday, 17 February 2012
Friday thoughts - Colour - choice, balance and association
When you see a colour, does it remind you of anything in particular? Do you naturally decorate anything for a girl with pink and anything for a boy in blue? It is funny how this association with colour and gender has occurred.
Then there are cool and warm colours. Warm (yellow, orange, red) colours are generally more bold and dazzling, whereas cool colours (blue, green, purple) are more calm and settling. I must say, I do prefer the cooler colours. I seem to choose them over the warmer colours concerning clothes, furnishings and even in craft/fabric patterns. Whereas, there are other people that I know that warmer colours look awesome on.
You could even argue that there is even a pecking order with the brightness of hues. When decorating or making items for children, I tend to use bright and bold colours, rather than pastel colours. To me, bright and bold colours remind me of the energy and bounce that children have. In my latest project, I am using bold and bright colours for the main picture/decoration which is placed upon a pastel blue background. The aim of this item will be a decoration for a girl's (yes...I am using pink) bedroom/nursery.
What colours work well? I often look for great colour combinations in fabric patterns, but only choose three colours! If the fabric that inspires me has a lot of different colours or hues I only pick three, any more and it can look too 'busy'. I often choose one main colour, and the other two colours are used to add some contrast or highlight. This adds more balance.
An example of this is with 'Rosie'. I chose the flowery patterned fabric. I then used pink from the fabric as the main colour and used purple and green (in the same hues as the fabric) to add some highlights to the ears, face, tummy and paws.This principle can be used in a lot of ways - in making craft items, card making/scrapbooking and even in decorating rooms.
Then there are cool and warm colours. Warm (yellow, orange, red) colours are generally more bold and dazzling, whereas cool colours (blue, green, purple) are more calm and settling. I must say, I do prefer the cooler colours. I seem to choose them over the warmer colours concerning clothes, furnishings and even in craft/fabric patterns. Whereas, there are other people that I know that warmer colours look awesome on.
You could even argue that there is even a pecking order with the brightness of hues. When decorating or making items for children, I tend to use bright and bold colours, rather than pastel colours. To me, bright and bold colours remind me of the energy and bounce that children have. In my latest project, I am using bold and bright colours for the main picture/decoration which is placed upon a pastel blue background. The aim of this item will be a decoration for a girl's (yes...I am using pink) bedroom/nursery.
What colours work well? I often look for great colour combinations in fabric patterns, but only choose three colours! If the fabric that inspires me has a lot of different colours or hues I only pick three, any more and it can look too 'busy'. I often choose one main colour, and the other two colours are used to add some contrast or highlight. This adds more balance.
Have a colourful weekend! I hope to finish the 'project' soon to show you all.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Wonderful Wednesday - A new project
I hope this works out. I am very excited about the design. Can you figure it out?
Monday, 13 February 2012
Monday in the making
It is funny how one design seems to lend itself to others...
When I was creating the Jellybean Buddy family, I started to think of other possibilites the Jellybean buddy could be. When my friend had her baby I immediately knew what I was going to create for the new arrival.
Not your ordinary Jellybean Buddy, rather a rattle. This little jellybean has some crinkly material in his head and a bell tingling in his tummy.
Sometimes a new design doesn't need to be totally new, rather it is an adaptation or transformation of an existing design.
When I was creating the Jellybean Buddy family, I started to think of other possibilites the Jellybean buddy could be. When my friend had her baby I immediately knew what I was going to create for the new arrival.
Sometimes a new design doesn't need to be totally new, rather it is an adaptation or transformation of an existing design.
Happy creating!
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Weekend Wonders - the crafting community
I love the connections that craft makes...
I have enjoyed reading several craft blogs/Facebook articles about developing crafts/craft businesses. Through Madeit, I have made connection to other crafters, which enable us to encourage each other in our love of crafting.
It is also the simple things...picking up some material for my sister-in-law (a fellow Madeit creator) and chatting to stall holders at a market I went to today. It was great to encourage fellow crafters, talk about running a stall at a market and promoting products through various means. There is a lot to learn from fellow crafters and the support and advice they offer. Craft is a wonderful link!
I had a lovely chat to Sally from 'AllysannesKidStuff' at the market today, delighted that she is also a Madeit seller. She had lots of lovely dresses and skirts on display and these cute little dolls.
I have enjoyed reading several craft blogs/Facebook articles about developing crafts/craft businesses. Through Madeit, I have made connection to other crafters, which enable us to encourage each other in our love of crafting.
It is also the simple things...picking up some material for my sister-in-law (a fellow Madeit creator) and chatting to stall holders at a market I went to today. It was great to encourage fellow crafters, talk about running a stall at a market and promoting products through various means. There is a lot to learn from fellow crafters and the support and advice they offer. Craft is a wonderful link!
I had a lovely chat to Sally from 'AllysannesKidStuff' at the market today, delighted that she is also a Madeit seller. She had lots of lovely dresses and skirts on display and these cute little dolls.
A handmade doll made by 'AllysannesKidStuff', available through her Madeit store.
I hope that you had an enjoyable, crafty weekend!
Friday, 10 February 2012
Friday Thoughts - a busy week
This week has been a bit of a slower week, craft wise. It has been quite a busy week with work. I would have liked more time to put into my designs and products as there are plenty of designs and ideas in my head, but I just didn't have the time to put into the making.
I can't wait to make a rattle for a friend of mine and get into a new product to place in my store. Hopefully I will be able to sit down over this weekend and get into creating. I will show photos of the finished products. I better get cracking!
I can't wait to make a rattle for a friend of mine and get into a new product to place in my store. Hopefully I will be able to sit down over this weekend and get into creating. I will show photos of the finished products. I better get cracking!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Weekend Wonders - Getting things done
I don't like treading water...
When work begins again, I feel like I am chasing my tail - battling to catch up with things. Work wise, I feel like I am just beginning to get on top of things - crossing things off of my list.
I have had a few things to catch up on craft wise, however, today I managed to do a bit of finishing off. Let me share with you...
I managed to finish off an order for a black/grey 'Schauser' Bag Buddy. I can't wait to get it posted out.
It has been a while since I added a new product to my store, therefore I spent some time this afternoon making up a new Cutie Bug headband.
This headband is now available in my store.
I also made up a congratulations card for the birth of a baby boy of friends of mine. All in all, a rather productive day.
When work begins again, I feel like I am chasing my tail - battling to catch up with things. Work wise, I feel like I am just beginning to get on top of things - crossing things off of my list.
I have had a few things to catch up on craft wise, however, today I managed to do a bit of finishing off. Let me share with you...
I managed to finish off an order for a black/grey 'Schauser' Bag Buddy. I can't wait to get it posted out.
It has been a while since I added a new product to my store, therefore I spent some time this afternoon making up a new Cutie Bug headband.
I also made up a congratulations card for the birth of a baby boy of friends of mine. All in all, a rather productive day.
Did you make anything this weekend?
Friday, 3 February 2012
Friday thoughts - a source of inspiration
I love visiting our library...
I love borrowing out novels and magazines fortnightly to replenish my reading material. I prefer to read than watch TV, although I am finding it hard to find time to sit down and read a good book.That's where magazines are great. They don't take a lot of time to read from cover to cover.
On my last visit to the library, I borrowed out an edition of 'Australian Better Homes and Gardens'. I am not one for house renovating, however, something lept of the page at me. I was quite taken by this colour combination...
I love the brightness of the green, reminding me of a fresh, green lime, which is teamed with bright orange - rather a citrus flavoured colour combination! I thought I would store this colour combination away to assist in future product designs.
I know that some crafters have an 'inspiration board' - a place where eye catching and inspiring snippets are pinned so that they can be used to inspire future designs. It maybe worth a try...(at least I would have one item pinned to it!)
I love borrowing out novels and magazines fortnightly to replenish my reading material. I prefer to read than watch TV, although I am finding it hard to find time to sit down and read a good book.That's where magazines are great. They don't take a lot of time to read from cover to cover.
On my last visit to the library, I borrowed out an edition of 'Australian Better Homes and Gardens'. I am not one for house renovating, however, something lept of the page at me. I was quite taken by this colour combination...
(Source: Australian Better Homes and Gardens magazine, May 2011,Pacific magazines, Australia, p.21)
I love the brightness of the green, reminding me of a fresh, green lime, which is teamed with bright orange - rather a citrus flavoured colour combination! I thought I would store this colour combination away to assist in future product designs.
I know that some crafters have an 'inspiration board' - a place where eye catching and inspiring snippets are pinned so that they can be used to inspire future designs. It maybe worth a try...(at least I would have one item pinned to it!)
What inspires you in your craft?
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
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