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!