Wonderful Wednesday - Zig Zags

I haven't been very punctual lately. At the beginning of the year, I set myself a target to make handmade gifts for family and friends. I love spending time creating a special item for a special person. The only problem is that sometimes everyday 'life' gets in the way - housework, job, family commitments, etc. Sometimes the crafting time gets shortened, leaving little time to complete items.

However, I read a small business, crafting blog lately and the writer shared the importance for the time to create - to release new ideas, to design, to create and for someone like me, craft is a love, a stress release and an expression of my creativity. Crafting is important for my health and character, therefore, I have been trying to squeeze in at least half an hour of craft and creating each day. 

I have been working on a crochet project since January as a gift for someone. The time for giving it on time has long gone, but I am now so close to finishing it. Despite the lateness, I still want to give it to my chosen recipient, to keep as an heirloom item. Other ideas and projects seemed to have closed in on this particular project, but I know that it needs to be given soon! The main feature of this project is its zig-zag pattern, hence my inspiration for this week is...zig-zag...

Leather Clutch by 'Juwel'

I love the plain white clutch with the added vibrancy of the zig-zag pattern on the opening panel. I also love the blend of colours in the zig-zag pattern. Stunning!

Pink Sleepy Creature by 'Dewberry Workshop'

How cute! I love the simplistic design and features of this cuddly softie. I love the three, pink toned fabrics for the body of this sleepy creature and I love the zig-zag pattern in the ears. Gorgeous!

Christmas Bunting by 'Little Starrs'

This bunting would surely cheer up any space for Christmas! I love the different red and white fabrics that feature in this bunting, especially the zig-zag fabric that has various widths. A beautiful decoration!

What do you like that has a zig-zag pattern?

Thanks for viewing!

Monday in the making

It was one of those weekends where I had a number of design ideas and I didn't know where to start. To begin with, I wanted to create a simple card set, complete with matching gift tags. I wanted to use parts of an old atlas that I purchased. I made up the set, but I thought the card faces needed something more. I played around with some painted images, however, I ended up adding quotes. This is the result...

 

As the images are black and white, I have used a neutral toned paper as a backing paper for both the cards and tags. I have added a splash of colour with a bright green insert to match the foliage feel of the images.

As for the other ideas, more to be shown soon...

Thanks for viewing!

The Weekend in Snapshots

Went looking for pre-loved items I could use in my creations and purchased this brooch. I can't wait to transform this...

Went out for breakfast with Mr T...

Had a new idea for a sewing project and started it...

Went for a walk with Mr T and our pup...

A field filled with dandelions...

Our pup watching our favourite V8 Supercar team (I also gave him a bath, which is another story)...

What were favourite moments over this weekend?

Thanks for viewing!

Wonderful Wednesday - Queensland

I had a very special moment yesterday. A lovely friend of mine went out of her way to drive down where we live and stayed with us overnight. This special person was at the same boarding place while we went to uni and we became friends. So much so that she was one of my bridesmaids in my wedding. She has been holidaying in the southern state, braving the cold as she is from Queensland. It would have been wonderful to visit some of sights around the area where we live, but on the day that she arrived it poured with rain all day! Oh well, it was lovely to chat, to catch up on what had been happening in our lives and to reminisce about 'good times'. A brief, but lovely visit...

It has been some time since Mr T and I have made the trek 'up north'. I think that it is something over due as we do have a number of good friends and family members that live in the sunshine state. When I think of Queensland, I think of bananas, pineapples and all manner of tropical fruits, of lush rainforests and sugar cane, of frightening thunderstorms, humidity, warmth and plenty of sunshine. Hence my inspiration for the week is ... Queensland...

Mini Plush Pineapple by 'Pumpkin Pie Creations'

Got to love smiley fruit! I love that this plush pineapple still has a golden body and green 'leaves'. I love its cute, smiley face...ready to cuddle!

 Felt Fruit by 'Kwuirky'

This bunch of fruit looks very lifelike! It has hard to think that they are carefully made with felt. A great item for imaginative play or placed in a fruit bowl as a decorative feature.

Forest Tree Set by 'Folkwood'

What an adorable set of wooden toys! Once again, this set would be perfect for imaginative play - taking dolls for a picnic over the river. Looks lovingly created...

Thanks for stopping by!

The Weekend in Snapshots

Stopping in at a market on a beautiful, sunny morning.

The market was at the foot of the Grampians (please excuse the flag pole in the photo :) )

Mr T and I at the beginning of our cycling adventure.

City lights.

What was a memorable moment over the weekend for you?

Wonderful Wednesday - Birds

I recently returned back to work after having some holidays. It was wonderful to wake up, walk the dog, have some breakfast and go for a bike ride. It was a great start to the day. I don't consider myself an 'early bird' but I can't sleep in either. It was great not to have to wake up to the (even earlier) alarm and move at my own pace. However, it is back to work and back to waking up early, in order to walk the dog, have breakfast and get to work on time.

In going for an early morning walk, I enjoy the freshness of the morning and I particularly enjoy the early morning call of birds, embracing the new day. Certain bird calls evoke particular memories. Some bird calls evoke a longing to head back to the Murray River and spend time in the peace of bush. An inner 'sigh' dwells within me when I hear this bird call, this longing becomes stronger as the time between visits is greater. Visiting the Murray was an annual holiday for me as a child with my family, and as an adult, I still get cravings to head back to 'The River', to rest and recharge. It is now becoming a biannual holiday for Mr T and our family members. Hence I have chosen some bird inspired items...

Sparklebirds in Lavendar by 'Winter Designs'

I love these clay creations. My eye was drawn to the rustic nature of these ornaments and the lacy pattern that is imprinted on them. A little flock would make a lovely decoration in the home...

White Love Bird Cake Toppers by 'The Patatopatch'

This pair of lovebirds are so sweet! In particular, I love their little outfits and the detail in them. Mr Bird's black suit, tie and buttonhole is very chic, while Mrs Bird's cherry blossom dress and sparkly tiara is gorgeous! This would make a lovely centre piece for a wedding cake...

Wooden Bird Family by 'Littlebugart'

What a sweet, birdie family! I love their cute, plump, patterned bodies and I love their bright, contrasting colours. This little family would brighten up any wall.

Do you have any beautiful memories evoked by the musical call of birds?

Thanks for viewing :)

Monday in the making

A couple of weeks ago, I made up a mini canvas for a very special showcase. I enjoyed using up-cycled t-shirt material and reclaimed material to create a decorative feature. I also enjoyed the chance to do some hand stitching. I had so much fun that I designed another mini canvas, this time,  one for the girls...

This canvas is made up of a large, red heart, that is hand stitched to a pink, floral fabric. It also contains three buttons, stitched up the top of the heart.

I have also been playing around with paper mache...

I had a bit of Christmas in mind when I made this. A paper base, covered in red and sealed, with black lettering spelling 'JOY'. It is decorated with three fabric flowers, with button embellishments, two made with satin, one with tulle. The flowers have rough, frayed seams to add to the rustic charm of the piece. A lacy bow is tied onto the handle.

What do you think?

Thanks for viewing!

The Weekend in Snapshots

Receiving a free bunch of flowers when out shopping.

Watching my favourite race team participate in the biggest race of the year.

Receiving a rhubarb plant from a friend.

The 'girls' were each sitting down on a step when we came back from a bike ride... unfortunately a couple stood back up by the time I took a photo...

What has been a wonderful part of your weekend?

Have a great week :)

Wonderful Wednesday - The Garden

I love it when the weather warms up a little. It makes it so much nicer to be outside. It also helps all types of lovely flowers to bloom. We have a number of roses in the front garden and they are starting to grow buds and flower - it provides a tinge of colour to the greeness of the garden.

I also had the opportunity to spend some time over the weekend and today to be in the garden. Our poor garden had become a little over grown during the Winter season whilst the enthusiasm to be outside was diminished due to cold, wet weather. While I had some time off of work, I thought it would be great to get some fresh air and exercise by tidying up parts of the garden. We have some free range chickens and they love hanging around while weeds are being pulled up so that can peck the bugs that are revealed. Hence, my inspiration for the week is... the garden...

Spoon plant markers by 'EAT Creations'

As a fellow up-cycler, I had to choose this one! I love the uniqueness of up-cycled items. I also love the practicality of this item - a water proof sign that labels plants in the garden. A great gift for a gardener.

House and garden embroidery by 'Squeeze Cuddles'

I love the simplicity of this design. I love the red and white flowers, adding a dash of colour,  next to the house, stitched in blue. Gorgeous!

Miniature gardens by 'Fairies in my garden'

These miniature gardens are adorable! They also look so realistic! I love the small grouping of colourful, clay toadstools on the mossy grass. These would make great table centre pieces for an outdoor party!

I hope you get a chance to wander around some beautiful gardens during the week.

Thanks for viewing!

Monday in the making

It has been quite a productive week... Firstly, I finished making two items for a charity auction that I participated in...

I made a cherry red, up-cycled t-shirt necklace with five weeping roses. I used a mixture of embellishments to decorate the roses - beads, crystals and buttons.

I also tried a new item...

I made up a canvas using up-cycled t-shirt material and reclaimed fabric. All decorative elements were stitched on.

I also added a set of gift tags to the store (to view, click here). This set uses pages out of a book and depicts a variety of animals.

I still have plenty of crochet and paper mache to finish during the week. I hope to show you more items next week.

Thanks for viewing!

The weekend in snapshots

Gardening with the 'girls'.

Whipped up a healthy peppermint slice.

Paper mache in progress.

What was a special part of your weekend?

I hope it was a great one!

Wonderful Wednesday - Swirls

Today we experienced swirly, gusty wind throughout the day where we live. It all started ok... Mr T and I walked the dog and, I must admit, it was a little breezy. However, by the time we had to attend to some business in the city centre and walk back home, the wind had definitely picked up and I couldn't wait until we were back inside. Strong winds can do horrible damage to property and trees and the sounds that it creates can be quite scary. Thankfully, the wind has died down now. Hence my inspiration for this week are...swirls...

Swirl pendant by 'Artly Adorned'

This item is particularly for the gents, which is fantastic as I find it difficult to find handmade items that are especially for men. I love the simple design of the pendant with a touch of detail at the end of the swirl.

Halter neck apron by 'Neddynibbles'

When I first looked at this apron, I thought it was a dress...it's that beautiful! Not only do I like the style, but I like the swirly, yellow fabric used, complemented with an orange tie.

Wooden swirl earrings by 'Howe Sassy'

I love the swirly, cut out pattern of these earrings. I also love how they are kept a natural, wooden brown colour. Lovely accessories to match a range of outfits...

Thanks for viewing!