Wonderful Wednesday - Purple and Orange

This week has been my first week back at work with the children. It has been a busy week, but one in where I have been working on getting to know these little ones. Summer break is now finished  - done and dusted for another year.

One event that drew me into staying up late over the holidays was watching the 'Australian Tennis Open' that was held in Melbourne. Tennis - a game that needs physical skill and mental endurance. I also can't believe how the female tennis players look so stylish, yet play so hard. One player that fits this image is Serena Williams. I loved her dark purple and orange tennis outfit. I never really thought about putting these two colours together, but I really like this combination, hence my inspiration for the week...purple and orange.

Shoulder bag by 'High Tea Vintage'

What a stylish bag! I love the tailored look to it with the pleats down the front and the gorgeous, big buttons - it adds formality.

Bow necklace by 'Chompa Handmade'

I love crocheted items and this one is unique. A gorgeous, little crocheted bow that is attached to a stainless steel choker. This necklace would make a statement with any outfit.

Crocheted doily by 'Plushka'

'Plushka' makes the loveliest hand created items. Her work is so neat! I love this carefully crocheted doily with the fabric flower motif on the front. The motif adds some extra interest.

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!

Monday in the making

I can now breathe a sigh of relief...

...over the past few weeks I have been busily making up necklaces, rings and key rings for the 'Bubs2Teens' market which was held on Saturday. There is always a rush in building up stock and admittedly, the market has been my focus rather than re-stocking my store or creating new designs. So now, I can change my focus.

I love creating new colours for my necklace range. A very different colour and texture is 'Sea Sage'...

I made both 'Climbing Rose' necklaces (as above) and 'Little Tee' necklaces out of this colour. It is a blue/green, sea-like colour that has a greyish white pattern added to it. The strands are more ribbon-like in nature compared to other necklaces that I have made and that has been due to the original t-shirt. This 'Sea Sage' necklace is available in my Madeit store.

Other colours that I have created are 'Fairy Floss Pink', 'Lemon Sherbet', 'Cherry Red'... I think it is funny that most of my colours revolve around food!

On the list:

• A new project
• Fabric flower headbands

Thanks for viewing!

Friday Thoughts - Back to school

Well...they say that 'all good things must come to an end' and for me, it is back to work I go. It also means that a lot of little ones will be starting school again for a new year (or for the first time).

It is hard to get some children to eat, particularly healthy foods at the best of times, let alone in a school setting. Kelly, from 'Little Wonders' has some great ideas to add some colour to the lunch box to make food fun to eat. Some ideas include: finding colourful serviettes and utensils, sprinkles, notes (you could use jokes), surprise gifts (eg. stickers), miniature food and cutting sandwiches with cookie cutters. If you would like to find out more, click here.

Some other healthy lunch box ideas include:

• Providing a salad instead of sandwiches - place a tub of pasta salad, rice salad or garden salad in the lunchbox.
• Make wraps - use 'mountain bread', pita bread or make sandwich roll ups (sandwich sushi).
• Make savoury muffins - often these can be frozen individually, to make it easier to pop one in the lunch box without a lot of fuss.
• Veggie sticks and dip - hummus or bean.

All the best for littlies beginning the school year!

Wonderful Wednesday - Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

Saturday is the 26th January. For us, here in Australia, it is Australia Day and a chance to celebrate all that is 'Aussie!'. It has been the source of my inspiration for this week...

Australian Icon Tea Towel by 'Kirsten Haworth Textiles'

I love how this design captures various Australian elements - BBQ, Sydney, Melbourne trams, etc. I love the symbols and the 'ordered' look of the design. So many conversation starters and memories on a piece of fabric!

Embroidered Pin Cushion by 'Wombat's Picnic'

Isn't this stunning! I love the embroidery work, depicting a 'Bottle Brush'. Such beautiful stitching! It is amazing how all these little stitches work together to create such a beautiful (and functional) piece.

Australian Animal Toys by 'Raw Toys'

These are very cute! I love how the outlines and the little touches to detail depict these different Australian animals, allowing the natural wood to shine. Gorgeous!

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!

Monday in the making

My studio has been a hive of production over the past week. Not only have I been busy making up items in readiness for a market that I am attending on the weekend, but I have made two little gifts for birthdays (yes...I am keeping to my handmade gift goal that I set at the beginning of the year). I crocheted a chevron, purple, pale pink and lime doll blanket for my niece. I found a retro crochet pattern, did the Maths (with Mr T's help) to make it smaller and had a go (usually crochet patterns and myself don't mix). The result was a cute and colourful little rug. I have ordered some pure wool and can't wait to try out some crochet ideas.

The trickiest gift to create was one for my husband's birthday -  not in the making, but rather thinking of an idea about what to make. I went with an up-cycled denim wallet/pouch to put coins, cards or electronic bits and pieces in.

I have also designed another up-cycled tee necklace...

This design I have named 'Little Tee'. It is similar to my original 'Climbing Rose' necklace, however, this new design has three strands, rather than five and it has a tied section on the left hand side (as worn). Stitched to the tied section is a singular rose with a bead stitched in the middle. I was motivated to create something for girls to wear or something more smaller and simplistic for women. Therefore this smaller design is more proportional for girls to be able to wear or would be an understated neck piece for a ladies stylish outfit.

On the list:

Lots to do!

Thanks for viewing :)

Friday Thoughts - A variety of uses

I love up-cycling t-shirts by cutting and stitching them into something else. So far I have moulded t-shirts into necklaces, rings, cushions and keyrings. The creation of something new made out of something that is no longer wanted. Not only practical, but good for the environment as often unwanted items are thrown away. These items are often 'one of a kind', unique and stylish in their own right. It has also made me be more aware of items that could be re-purposed or up-cycled.

Therefore, I thought that I would share something that I find quite handy... I use cutlery drainers as pencil holders for the children that I work with. The cutlery drainer is usually segmented which allows me to put pencils in one segment and crayons in another. Pencils, etc are able to easily accessed by the children and if the cutlery drainer has a handle, it makes it easy for children to pick up and carry (eg. from the shelf to the table). An idea if you have pencils or other writing implements that need a home.

Have a great weekend!

Wonderful Wednesday - Organisation

Well...Mr T and I have been spending a bit of time going through belongings, sorting, tidying, cleaning and organising. It is amazing how quickly items build up if they are not put away properly or given/thrown away when they are no longer needed. The problem is, when there is a build up of items, it takes time to sort and put away. I am determined to try and keep on top of this problem with some organisation, hence it becomes my inspiration for the week...

Wooden Box by 'The Bushel Box Co"

I love this box as it oozes old time charm as it reminds me of an old style fruit crate. It has a rustic feel about it. Perfect to hold toys, books, bathroom items... the list is endless.

Purse by 'Stalley'

I love the screen printed bird on the front of this purse. It contrasts so nicely with the grey fabric. This purse has a black vinyl backing. This little purse would hold coins and notes quite nicely, but could also house tissues, camera, cards, etc. Lovely!

Glass Dish by 'Marjoram Hot Glass'

I love the shape of this dish - rectangular with a little dip in the middle to prevent items rolling out. I also love the colourful lines and shapes to add decoration. It would be great to hold some snacks on or trinkets that gather.

I hope that this provides you with inspiration!

Monday in the making

This week I have been working on something new...

These keyrings are part of the 'Tupsy Tee' range of 'Tupsy Turvy Designs' as they are made out of up-cycled t-shirts. Some have a letter stitched in the middle to add a personalised touch. They have a bit of a rustic and 'College' feel about them. With the other design, I have a circular, fabric flower stitched in the middle with a button embellishment. These keyrings are now available in the Tupsy Turvy Designs store and will also be available at the 'Bubs 2 Teens' market that I will be attending on the 26th January.

On the list:

• Finishing off some keyrings
• Necklaces
• Cushions
• Headbands
• A couple of gifts

Thanks for viewing :)

Friday Thoughts - Keeping Cool

Phew...the weather has sure been hot this Summer. Trying to keep cool has been top on the priority list. I thought I would share some 'cool' ideas...

This is an excellent idea for little ones that would love to do some exploring on a hot day...

'Ice Eggs'  - found here

Icy cold and healthy...

Frozen fruit skewers - found here

An interesting concept to try...

Frozen lamingtons - found here

Hope you are staying cool!

Wonderful Wednesday - Cherries

One aspect of the Summer season that I love is the availability of yummy fruits. At the moment I have an apricot tree in the backyard, that is laden with ripening fruit that I can't wait to collect. I love juicy watermelon and flavoursome strawberries that are also prevalent at this time of year. However, one favourite fruit that has an extremely short season is cherries. We have a number of cherry farms in our area and as soon as it is around Christmas time, the farms have their delicious wares available and we buy a few kilos of this lovely fruit. Yum, yum, yum! The season finishes all too quickly, but provides my inspiration for this week...

Earrings by 'Kitschy Koo'

These are so sweet. They have a cute little cherry design that is simple with a glass front. I love this look - so sweet!

Felted bag by 'Lucy Purls'

This clever bag is cherry in colour. Hand knitted and felted, this bag would hold a lot of goodies. I like the contrast  - cherry red background with an ivory flower.

Bag by 'Amy's Little Space'

I know that I have chosen another bag, but I love the use of up-cycled denim and this cherry blossom fabric. They match beautifully. This bag is big enough to hold a lot of lovely items or be used as a nappy bag.

I hope that these items inspire you :)

Monday in the making

I am slowly getting myself out of holiday mode and starting to rev up productivity once again. I have been experimenting with a few new designs in my 'Tupsy Tee' range. One of these products are... cushions!

These items are created out of up-cycled t-shirts and are designed to be decorative cushions (not sleeping pillows). These motifs were so beautiful that I had to utilise them again. They are also 'one of a kind' as the motifs depend upon the materials I can source.I also have a different cushion design that I am wanting to soon try that will utilise t-shirt lettering. Hopefully I will get a chance to give them a go soon.

I have a market coming up at the end of January, so I am trying to get items made (hence the cushions) for this event. I have also been making personalised key tags, which also utilise up-cycled t-shirts.

In keeping with my crafting goal for 2013 (making handmade gifts for family and friends) I have a couple of birthdays coming up in mid January, so I am busy crafting up some special items for the lovely recepients (photos to come upon completion).

Thanks for viewing :)

Friday Thoughts - Now to put it into practice!

(Image source is here)

I mentioned in a previous post a blog that I had read that provided me with the inspiration to make handmade gifts for loved ones and friends this year (Click here if you wish to read it again).

Pamela, from 'Majorie Handmade' expressed all different emotions that are evident when giving handmade gifts (which I can totally relate to). In a way, giving handmade gifts is a risky business, as it involves giving such a personal gift. So much time and effort have been poured into it - a gift from the heart. The nagging thought of 'Will they like/appreciate this gift?' raises itself .

However, creating handmade gifts have many benefits. I found a list of reasons why one would bother making or purchasing handmade gifts here. The main reason that was repeated was 'love' - that someone would care so much about someone that they would give up time creating something. Uniqueness, cost, support of local artists, quality and the joy of creation were also some thoughts.

As mentioned in a previous post, organisation is a must in creating handmade gifts, which ended up as one of my problems last year. However, this year I have a calendar which contains important dates, predominantly birthdays of family and friends. I also have highlighted (at least) a two week bracket before these dates, showing me my 'window of creation' to make a card and gift on time. The more birthdays in a short period of time, the more time is given in my 'window of creation'. Time will tell to see if this method assists my organisation.

Thanks for viewing!

Wonderful Wednesday - Home

It has been a busy few weeks for my family as we have spent the Christmas season (and some time beforehand) travelling and spending time with family. The long hours in the car are definitely worth it. Living a fair distance away from loved ones makes you appreciate time with them and how valuable it is.

My parents live in the house that I grew up in, therefore, every time I visit them, childhood memories visit me. It is also fascinating to see the changes that have occurred in my home town since the last visit.

Then, after precious moments, goodbyes have been said and the distance along the highway is covered once more, it is always nice to be home. Hence my inspiration for this week is...home...

Jewellery tree by 'Bird of Play'

I simply love items that are beautiful and practical. I love the intricate cutting and sculpting of wood to create the leaves. These leaves can hold earrings, brooches, necklaces, etc in a stylish manner.

Owl Tea Cosy by 'Nana Sue'

I have admired this creator's crochet cosies for awhile. These retro owls are not only gorgeous but are also practical, keeping warm a traditional tea pot. This is one of a flock of lovely, large eyed owl creations.

Clock by 'Addicted to Buttons'

This creator uses lots of lovely buttons to make unique and colourful items. I love how all the intricate parts of a computer's innards are moulded together to make a clock. I think it would be a practical gift for a teenager, particularly one that is interested in computers.

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!