Earrings to make a set

I enjoy creating mixed media art and I love finding new ways of displaying this art. I have previously created necklace pendants as a way to 'wear' art but these pendants still needed earrings to match to complete the set. However, this problem is solved as earrings have now been created using the same type of technique. 

 

Each earring expresses its own uniqueness as it is cut from a book page that has had mixed media techniques applied to it. These little art pieces are then adhered onto upcycled buttons and covered with a glass like coating. Silver coloured wire is wrapped around the button and then attached to earring hooks (that are nickel and lead free) to complete the earring.

Jewellery makes a unique gift for a teenage girl, mother, sister or friend. Simply place items in a card to make a small but special gift. Matching cards and pendants are available in store. To view the range, click here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday in the Making

I love exploring different colour combinations. Lately, when I have found a colour combination I like, I make the paints up in bulk and use the same combination for a canvas, a set of cards and for some jewellery.

Well... it was time to discover a new colour combination and this time it uses a base of purple plum. I also decided that the first items I would make with this combination would be a set of pendants.

Here are just a few...

I made up the art work, attached it to my chosen buttons and have just added the glossy glaze. I will need to wait for it to cure before I add the hooks so that they can be attached to chains. My shipment of chains have just arrived so you will soon see these pendants (and the last set) added to my store. I have also got some lead and nickel free earring hooks on their way so that I can make some into earring sets.

To check out what is currently in store, click here.

Thanks for viewing!

Wonderful Wednesday - What caught my eye...

There are so many handmade goodies out there, made by some creative crafters. When browsing through Madeit this week, this little beauty caught my eye...

Vintage Wool Jacket by 'OneString'

I love the colours of this jacket - the apricot and the aqua colours. I also love the fact that this gorgeous jacket is made from up-cycled material. I love the cute collar and matching big buttons. A lovely warm accessory to keep your little one toasty.

Thanks for viewing!

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

I dabbled in a craft that I hadn't participated in for a long time...

...it was scrap booking.

I came up with an idea for a present for a very special, little person. They had recently celebrated a special, milestone occasion and I decided that I would make up an album for them to provide them with some special memories of that occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and I can't wait to give it to them. I hope they enjoy it, too.

This in turn sparked a bit of a paper craft urge. Hence, another design for some cards...

I produced a large, typed letter on an up cycled book page.

I added an antique look to the edge of the page and placed it on a border before I adhered it to the card.

I added some lace and type - a word to match the highlighted letter. 

I have created a small range to take with me to the market that I am attending on Saturday (Bubs 2 Teens market in Hamilton, Victoria). I have so many more words and letters that I can use as features on these cards. They were so much fun to make...

On the list:

• market preparation

Thanks for viewing!

'Talk to me' bib message and giveaway

I have enjoyed using up-cycled denim in my creations. My latest (and most favourite) items at the moment are...bibs! Here are a sample:

I love this design in particular. I call it my 'Talk to Me' bib design...

This bib states 'Feed Me Please...' but I would love to know what other messages I could place on future bibs. I am running a giveaway in order to find out...

 

Simply email me or place a comment below, stating what message could be sewn onto a bib. I will choose the winning bib message next Friday. The winning comment will receive this up-cycled denim jean keyring. I am no longer making this keyring design, so this is a unique prize.

Conditions of entry:

• Entries must be received by me before 6pm on Friday (17/5/13). Entries can be made via email or blog comment.
• Messages must be no longer than five words in length.
• Giveaway only open to Australian residents.
• You will also be required to 'Like' Tupsy Turvy Designs Facebook page.

The judges decision is final (and will be made at 6.15pm) and winners will be notified via Tupsy Turvy Designs Facebook page and on this blog. The winner will win an 'Up-cycled denim jean keyring' valued at $10. The winner will need to provide me with their email address and I will contact them for postage details.

Please also note that the messages that are given in this competition (winning or otherwise) may be used in future designs and will become the property of Tupsy Turvy Designs. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook.

All the best!

Monday in the Making

After a couple of busy weeks, it was wonderful to spend the weekend focusing on some craft. I have quite a list of crafty goodies (re my handmade challenge) to make and it was great to spend large chunks of time working on them. Denim has been my material of focus lately. Here is the result...

I finished making up the keyring 'jeans' that I am giving as thank you gifts. I am still undecided at the moment about whether to make them as a regular product. I have one available at the moment...

This notebook is going to be another gift. It has seperate denim coverings for the front and back with denim ties down the centre . I have created a fabric and denim flower to brighten up the cover with a couple of embroidered flowers. This book cover took longer than I expected it to make, maybe because I was working out exactly how it was going to fit. I have one more notebook cover to make, although this one is a little smaller. Once again I am trying a few ideas out..

On the list:

• Still catching up on a few gifts (once again new ideas that I am excited about) and cards.

Thanks for viewing :)

Monday in the Making

Despite the busy-ness towards the end of last term and an overseas trip, I managed to squeeze in bit of creativity.

Firstly,

...a hand crocheted, hand felted, pure wool table runner. Crocheted in a chevron pattern in white and red wine coloured wool with a felt, heart motif embroidered in the middle and wine coloured tassles at each end. This made a wedding present for a special couple.

I've been loving making fabric yo-yos lately and have been turning up-cycled t-shirts into hair ties. I hope to make a bunch of pairs for an up coming market.

Finally,

I wanted to make a couple of little gifts for some lovely people that looked after our animals while we were away overseas. I have been inspired by up-cycled denim and designed and created this groovy jean keyring. I have made a few pairs of 'jeans' and because they are hand made and hand embroidered, each pair has its own style.

On the list:

• Another crochet project (with a looming due date)
• Cards
• Denim items
• T-Bags

Have a super week :)

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!

Monday in the making

Last weekend I made up a new up-cycled t-shirt headband design. 

Over the weekend, I added two new colour combinations. A red and black combination...

...with red double bow, black yo-yo, red button and all sewn onto a black elastic headband. I also made up a candy stripe, pink and white combination...

 

...with white and pink striped double bow, pink yo-yo, striped button and sewn onto a pink elastic headband. 

Once again, these colour combinations were determined by the t-shirts I could source.

Is there a particular colour combination that you would like to see using this headband style?

On the list:

• fabric flower headbands
• cushions

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!

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 :)

Monday in the making

I have been in an 'accessories' mood...

...I have enjoyed up cycling t-shirts to create accessories. I thought that I would make a few more necklaces.

I made another 'Climbing Rose' necklace using a number of strands and various lengths, embellished with five roses. These roses have tiny gold beads stitched in the middle.

I have also been experimenting with different designs. This necklace is also made up of various strands, however, this one is plaited and knotted at different intervals (sorry that I don't have a close up of this one...).

I have also been experimenting with some rings, also made out of up cycled t-shirts, with embroidery and beading. I absolutely LOVE the design and I trialled one today (that is mine for keeps!!) and it is so comfy to wear. It is a bit wider or 'chunkier' that some of the rings that I wear, but the design and detail is lovely. The only downside is that it is not waterproof (ie. you can't wear it to wash dishes, wash your hands, etc) but the upside is that it is hand washable if it becomes dirty or yuck. As this design is a new creation, I haven't got any photos as yet. Hope to share some with you soon.

On the list:

• Finish the scarf (it's been on the list for a while).
• Trial my 'Christmas idea'.
• Tutus
• Another bear or two or three

Thanks for viewing :)

Wonderful Wednesday - Up-cycling

'Up-cycling'...it is a bit of a modern word, but it is one that I have taken to...

When you are 'up-cycling' something, you are re-using it in some form to make something more worthy or valuable; to make a better product. Lately, I have been having fun 'up-cycling' t-shirts and turning them into different tops or accessories, hence my theme for this week's inspiration...up-cycling!

Bucket hat by 'Fine Fred'

This gorgeous hat is made out of up-cycled trims and denim. I particularly like the lace trim. The final result is a beautiful hat that has a vintage feel to it. Lovely!

Dog softie by 'Vintage Chenille'

Toys can also be made out of up-cycled fabrics. This little dog is so cute, made out of a pure wool blanket. That would make it extra cuddly! I love the pink bow collar.

 Cassette desk caddy by 'Red Zebra Designs'

It is not purely fabric that can be up-cycled, rather, it can be any item! I think this pen holder appeals to my retro side as I grew up with 'cassettes'. Nothing like waiting for your tape player to fast forward to your favourite song and then needing to rewind because you went to far...yes, patience was more prevalent back then. However, as cassettes are now practically obsolete, what a great way to reuse them in a practical way. This caddy would make a unique gift.

Bag by 'SjSmith'

This bag is made out of a jumper. I love how the original knitting pattern of the jumper is used to make the decorative sides of the bag, complete with buttons. Once again, a very practical idea to something that would have been discarded. That is the beauty of up-cycling...it is also good for the environment as materials are reused to create new and exciting designs.

I hope these ideas inspire you!