Monday in the making

I am loving up-cycling. I think it is because I love checking out various sources to find goodies to up-cycle. It is now getting to a stage (much to Mr T's delight) that I am visiting my sources every weekend to find out if there is something new. I also love that each item I find is unique... I go often, because there is a chance that it won't be there for long. I rejoice when I have little 'finds'. I then love the creative process - working out the character of the piece and developing it into a new item...

It has definitely been the case with these items. I found the scarf quite a while ago and used pieces of it to make fabric flowers. I then found the blue/green flower brooch. Immediately, I thought of an idea to merge the scarf and the brooch together. This is the result... a knotty, short necklace. Both of these items lent themselves to a thicker, short necklace, maybe to jazz up a plain outfit (eg. a little, black dress). I wanted the feature brooch to be slightly to one side. I also wanted to create a stranded, distressed, shabby chic look with the scarf, to add texture. This item is ready to be listed in my store... a little nervous as this is something entirely different from the items that I have made...

Thanks for viewing!

Monday in the making

Things have been a little busier over the weekend, as I have been trying to replenish my stock of items in preparation for a market on the weekend. Over the course of the week I have made up...

... some pop up cards. My most favourite one is a design that would be ideal for a wedding - cream coloured with little cream flowers (of course, it is the one that I didn't photograph). I will add a little note on the back of the cards, so that greetings and best wishes can be added to the card for the recipient.

I also made up some brooches...

...these are also fast becoming a favourite of mine. So far, I have teamed these up-cycled t-shirt flowers with similar coloured buttons, with the aim not to detract from the simple, round flower. I also tried out an Easter egg gift idea - that is still a work in progress...

On the list:

• brooches
• cards
• headbands

Thanks for viewing!

Friday Thoughts - Thank you!

There is a lot to be thankful for...

...Every day people show courtesy and respect to us. Then there are those lovely people that go out of their way to help us out - looking after the children, giving us a meal, doing a favour...

We can show our gratitude to others in numerous ways as well - returning the favour, giving them a gift, a bunch of flowers, a box of chocolates, baking them a cake...

Recently, a friend of mine helped me out in a remarkable and selfless way. I couldn't let this act of kindness slide by, therefore I needed to create something. I tried a new card design, which I loved making...

(I also made one for my brother's birthday). The 'pop-up' idea is based on a design by 'Julie Munoz', however I have added my own spin to it :)

I also made up a rose brooch that could be pinned onto clothing or a scarf. Simple but sweet. I love this design (and colour) and will definitely make up more.

Handmade goodies are a great way to say 'thank you' to someone. Returning the love that someone has shown to you in every stitch!

Thanks for viewing and have a great weekend!

Monday in the making

Things have been relatively busy in the world of Tupsy Turvy Designs during the past week as I have had to prepare for a market stall. I have also had a bit of extra time to spend crafting. So I got to work.

This is just a small selection of the items that I made. Firstly, 'Simone' the ballerina...

...secondly, football team 'bag buddies' and lastly, fabric flower brooches.

I am absolutely loving making dolls and presently I am working on a princess doll named 'Grace'. I hope to show pictures of her progress soon.

Friday thoughts - Finding balance again

There are many things in life that I enjoy...

I like crafting and stitching (that one was a given!). I like working with children (that is my 'other life' - my full time job). I like watching (professional) sport and playing (non-professional) it. I enjoy a glass of wine and relaxing with friends. I love sunshine and gardening. I love my husband and my family. I love my God and desire to shine His love...

I'm at the beginning of another year  - the holidays are done and dusted and I am back at work. This is my dilemma. I have been so enthused by the freedom of holidays I now need to rein myself in and start to balance all of my 'loves and likes' in my life. Sadly, this also means my craft.

There were a few times in the past week that I have been trying to do everything - getting work done, listening/watching the tennis and getting some craft done. End result...late nights, early mornings and one tired individual. I know I can't sustain an extreme imbalance. Hence I have put some time limits in place and balanced out my time a little more benefitially. I am sure I am not the only one that struggles with balance.

In my 'balanced' craft time, I have been having fun with fabric by making fabric flowers.

I was going to turn this flower into a headband but thought it would make a lovely brooch. I have just finished making it and will put it into my MadeIt store soon!

Have a lovely weekend everyone and happy crafting!