Drawstring Bags - finished

I have completed another four drawstring bags for the "New Beginnings" flood appeal.  Very simple design with a small applique on the front.

Close-up of two of the bags

My sister has made some as well, so once I have received them all, I will send them up to Queensland so they can be filled with goodies to be distributed.

Back to making some more Christmas ornies, new pattern in the pipeline which I hope to show you the results of tomorrow

Have fun

Judy

Victorian Vignettes

What is a Vignette, you may ask?

This is an explanation from Answers.com

vi·gnette (n)


1. A decorative design placed at the beginning or end of a book or chapter of a book or along the border of a page.
2. An unbordered picture, often a portrait, that shades off into the surrounding color at the edges.

3. A short, usually descriptive literary sketch.

I have many books featuring old-fashioned and Victorian graphics which come under this heading ...and as I am sorting through all my books these ones are being offered for sale on my website They would be ideal for any paper craft project - card making, journals, altered art, bookmarks etc

These are so sweet, so go and have a look and grab a bargain

Judy

New Buttons

Just received another shipment of novelty and plain coloured buttons from the USA ... lovely plain coloured packs as well as novelty button packs

Some of my favourites in this order are the new pink ribbon button packs

and

A larger pack of black and white buttons will come in very useful.

I cannot wait to use some of these great buttons .... they will be available in the store over the weekend

Judy

Valentines Treats

I thought I would take the Valentine's Day "love" theme to make my sisters a treat bag of goodies.  The start of 2011 has been quite hectic in my family, with medical, emotional and job worries.  Luckily not all to the same family.  So I am taking this opportunity to tell my sisters (and sisters-in-law) how much we love them and care about them.

I sourced most of the printables off the web, covered a mini diary and put it all together in a bag with some wonderful bag toppers.

There are a couple of bookmarks, matchbook candy holder with a small packet of maltesers, a purchased chocolate heart, which I had put a printed love sticker on, covered a mini mentos roll of mints, the covered diary, and also a covered lip balm ... all useful items.

Here is what they look like all packed up ..

They will certainly not be expecting anything like this, so not sure how it will be received ...however, I certainly had fun putting it all together.

Onto drawstring bags tomorrow, I promise

Judy



Reindeer on a Spring

My friend Colleen from Colly's Christmas Crafts has sent me a pattern for one of her new designs ... Christmas on a Spring ... it comprises a Santa, Snowman and a Reindeer on a old bed spring.

I had the prototype of the reindeer, so I had to try him , he looked so cute when he arrived.
This is Colleens version, with his sweet adorable face

Now here is my attempt, some minor changes, due to the different bed springs used, mine was smaller and had the same size opening on the bottom and top.  Colleen's had a large bottom and a very narrow top

I still think they are cute ... we quite often use old rusty bed springs as prim nodders but by covering the spring they are converted into sweet "cutesy" craft items

This following photo shows the three together, it may give you an idea of the differences in design and sizing.

Not sure when this pattern will be available, but I am sure to have it in store as soon as it is published ... now to get permission to teach this at one of my craft workshops!

I will test out the Santa and Snowman on a spring in the next couple of weeks, and let you know the results

Judy

More Sewing Kits needed

The Gum Tree Designers need more "New Beginning" sewing kits.  With even more people affected by the floods in Victoria, Cyclones in North Queensland, and now just last weekend flooding in my local area (Urana & Lockhart) - the needs are great.

Any little thing that you do / make / supply WILL help ...   check out the latest post on the Gum Tree Designers Blog to see what is needed, and how you can help.  The cutoff date has been extended to the 15th March.

You will also see that my little parcel of support had arrived, the calico bags in a box with a small applique motif.

The response to this appeal has been world wide and the girls have kindly named all the people who have contributed to their appeal.

I have promised some more drawstring bags, so my own craft may take a little back seat for a while

Please help, if you can

Judy

Dolly Peg Soldiers

Don't they look handsome - all lined up in a row?

These dolly pegs were painted using instructions from AllFreeCrafts - although I did make some minor changes to these instructions.  I used gold paint down the outside of the trousers, rather than gluing on braid.  I also sewed a hanger into the black pompom for his hat before gluing into the top of his head.

Another Christmas ornament crossed off my list ..

My friend Colleen from Colly's Christmas Crafts has designed some great Christmas sticks - so that has been added to my list of projects for this year.  Hopefully I can get started on them very soon.

Judy

Stained Wooden Tags

After seeing how well my little wooden signs turned out, I thought I would see how they would look using the same method but using tags ... I took some wooden ply tags and stained them using the DecoArt Wood Stain in Oak colour.

I then printed the verses for my tags on the computer using brown Kraft paper and used the "versatile" Modpodge to glue them to the tag ..

I think next time I will make the printed section larger and follow the shape of the actual tag.  What do you think?

Rainy Day Playing

What do you do on a rainy day? 
Watch a movie?
Read a book?
Catch up on the household chores?
NOT ME --- I head straight to the studio ... bliss..

Should I clean up?  Should I put those products away?  Should I play?

Yes ... playtime ...  also a discovery ...

Did you know that you can print on hessian?  You do not know what you can do until you try.  I have a relatively inexpensive Canon printer up in the studio, which is used for many things, however is not that important that if  I "wreck" it the world will come to a end. Hence the discovery that you CAN print on hessian.

I have printed these sayings onto hessian and then made then into little hangers ... sorry about the photo quality

I ironed some Heat & Bond to the back of the hessian to strengthen it so that it would feed into the printer.  Make sure that you do not have any loose threads or this will cause a jam in your printer.

Choose your sayings and a nice clear font ... I suggest printing out on paper first, so that you can see what it looks like before attempting to print onto the hessian.

I also found that the black ink was clearer than the red ... but I had to try.

Once the hessian is printed, cut each saying out, leaving a little extra around each word so that you can fray the edges.  Now use your Heat & Bond to secure the jute hanger and another piece of fabric to the back - just make a sandwich of the hessian, jute hanger in the centre, then the backing fabric.

How quick and easy is this ... although I would not recommend trying this in your good printer.

Have fun

Judy

Interesting Fact

Someone passed on this information to me today, and I just had to share it .....

This year we experience four unusual dates:

1/1/11,    11/1/11,    1/11/11,    11/11/11

Now for the interesting bit!

Take the last two digits of the year you were born, ADD the age that you will be this year and it will equal 111 .....

Try it out, it is bizarre

Judy

Flood Sewing Kits - Completed

I have been busy, I have just posted 10 sewing kits to the Gum Tree Designers for their "New Beginnings" Flood Relief Appeal.

They hold a lot of little treasures that will help the craft person restart their sewing.

AND of course I forgot to take a photo of the contents - oh well, will be a lovely surprise for someone!

I am glad that I could participate in this appeal to help someone that has suffered the heartbreak that these floods have caused.

Until next time
Judy

Dolly Peg Angels

Half a dozen angels made with dolly pegs.  The arms are thick jute tied in a knot and I have used a gel stain on their heads to grunge them up.  I am happy with the results, although I should have hung them up for the photos, rather than just leave them laying on the table.

Now I had better get started on some items for the Flood Relief kits ...

Have a great day

Judy

More Finishes

The little reindeer ornaments are finished.  They turned out really well, and I think they look sweet?

I will have to make some more of these ...

My sister has been busy making some more Breast Cancer Drain Bags for our local hospitals .. check out the fantastic fabrics she has used! Nice and bright and cheery.

I have also recruited her to assist in the "Among The Gum Trees" Queensland flood appeal kits.  My shop will be supporting the cause with donations of embroidery scissors, embroidery needles, embroidery thread, can you help?  Check out their site for further information. Anything that you can do, will be a great help!

I have also finished some dolly peg angels - will upload the photo soon.  I am enjoying my time crafting when there is no pressure to complete the item for a deadline or a workshop ...

To everyone in Queensland and northern NSW battling with these terrible floods, our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Please stay safe

Judy

We Need Your Help !!!

The Gum Tree Designers are asking for your help in assisting the hundreds of crafters that have been devastated by the floods in Queensland.

Click here to read the full story of how they are organising the collection of a 'New Beginnings' sewing kit for those who need to start over with their craft.


Please help - just imagine if you had to start allover again?  Every little bit helps ...

With my heartfelt thanks
Judy

I Have Been Busy

Now that the holidays are over, I have had time to play in my craft studio. 
Here is a little look at what I have been making :

1. Breast Cancer Drain Bags

2. Little Wood Signs

3. Baby Jesus Ornaments

4. Santa Hat Ornies

5.  Cut out and ready to sew!  What do you think these will be?  Hopefully I will get a chance to finish them off this weekend.

Enjoy your weekend

Judy

Getting Ready

What do you shop for with Christmas/Birthday money?  I have to admit I usually purchase some craft item, either a new tool, piece of fabric or in most cases a new pattern or book.

I have been shopping?  The book depository had a book that I have seen mentioned on numerous blogs - Fa La La La Felt by Amanda Carestio.  It features 45 handmade holiday decorations ... this is what I meant when I said I was "Getting Ready".  Christmas is only just finished and I am already thinking about next Christmas.  How cute is this photo on the cover, it is on my list of projects to do.

Now, you cannot go shopping, and just buy one book can you?  So of course, I ordered a second one ...

With free shipping, I still have some  money to spare ....

I love looking back through all my patterns and craft books, for inspiration and ideas. 

For all those people (myself included) who had to go back to work today, I hope it was not too stressful.

Enjoy the rest of the week
Judy

Cleaning Poem

This cute poem arrived in my Inbox this morning - it certainly describes me to a tee....

Cleaning Poem

I asked the Lord to tell me

Why my house is such a mess

He asked if I'd been 'computering',

And I had to answer 'yes.'

He told me to get off my butt,

And tidy up the house.

And so I started cleaning up...

The smudges off my mouse.

I wiped and shined the topside.

That really did the trick...

I was just admiring my good work.

I didn't mean to 'click.'

But click, I did, and oops - I found

A real absorbing site

That I got SO way into it -

I was into it all night.

So nothing's changed except my mouse.

It's as shiny as the sun.

I guess my house will stay a mess.....

While I sit here on my bum.

Have a fun day
Judy

Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

I hope you make time to enjoy your family, friends and hobbies in 2011.  I certainly plan to ...

Take care
Judy

Breast Cancer Drain Bags

A local lady has been talking to me about making drain bags for Breast Cancer Patients

Photo is property of bagmakingpatterns.com

See email below:


I have been asked to be the contact person for Wagga Base and Calvary Hospitals, so if you know anyone who would be interested in sewing some of the bags please pass the pattern on to them.


The hospitals in Wagga need 25 a month, so any help I can get is most appreciative. They don't have to make a lot even one or two each would be helpful. The ladies have just put out their January online magazine and have mentioned in there if anyone lives near the Wagga area and wants to help out to contact them, so hopefully I will get a few more helpers there as well. Any fabric will do for them, however they do suggest a heavy weight fabric so it can handle the weight that will be carried in them. I have made a few where I have used some light weight fabric and lined it with the heavy weight fabric. They take about an hour at the most to make one bag.
Thanks for your help Judy.

http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/download.php?file=breast-cancer-bag-appeal-pattern.pdf

Let me know if you have any trouble downloading the pattern.
Cheers
Belinda
 
If anyone wishes to help out, please email me, and I will pass on your details to Belinda.  This is such a worthwhile cause, and if you can spare 1 hour a month to make a bag it will be greatly appreciated.
If you do not live in the Riverina area, but wish to help out, just contact the lady in the PDF document (via the link above) or contact your local hospital to see if they need any.
 
Have a great week
Judy

Candy Cane Cuties

This weekend has been a fun weekend making these cute candy cane ornaments.  They were made for my "thank you" gift for December Online orders, but as they turned out so great I decided to also add them to the online store.

Wouldn't they look great hanging from your Christmas Tree.. I wish I had mine up already so that I could photograph them on it .. hopefully I can start on the christmas decorating by the end of this month.

These candy cane cuties would also look great as a gift tag or even given as a fun gift ...

I also completed making up 10 reindeer kits for a workshop I am teaching next weekend in Narrandera .. my reindeer is always popular this time of year, and is an absolute delight to make.  The finished product is so sweet, that you will not want to put him into storage until the next year... I must admit mine stays out in the studio all year around.

Until next time, happy crafting
Judy

A Month Has Passed

Well despite my good intentions on updating this blog regularly, I am finding it harder to maintain.  It has been a month since my last update, sorry.

The web business has been busy as well as lots of happenings around the home, but I do not believe that I am the only one that struggles to find time to fit everything in. Or at least I hope that is the case!

I did manage to make a snowman head ornie using a table tennis ball as per my last post .. what do you think?  I was really happy with the result.

While I was playing I also converted some mint containers into snowman gifts .. I think these will be great for Kris Kringle gifts..

I was reading that we only have 82 days until Christmas, I had better get a move on with my Christmas gifts.  I love making the actual decorations, like Santas, Snowmen and ornies, but find that making something practical is a little "intimidating".  Will they like it?  Will they use it?  All the usual questions, that haunt us!

I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful freebies that the ladies at "Among The Gum Trees" have planned for their second annual Christmas season.  Pop across and check out these talented ladies.

Until next time, take care, and I hope you are enjoying your long weekend if you are in NSW and any other state that celebrates this Labour Day long weekend.

Xmas Fridge Magnet

I found these really large clothes pegs in a discount store, they measure approximately 15cm in length and are 3cm wide.  Ideal to make into fridge magnets.  The Snowman and Santa fit nicely on the peg.

I will be adding these two to my web store today ... now off to make some snowman Xmas tree ornies using table tennis balls - intrigued, check back again to see if I was successful.

I'm Hooked

After reading a lot of my favourite blogs I have discovered the Tilda range of books which feature Tone Finnanger's designs .  Add to that the discovery of the Book Depository in the UK which ships to Australia FREE, I am in heaven (and in debt)  - they really do have a great range of books! 
 
I received my first order last week, and it only took 11 days from date of order until it was delivered to me  in regional NSW - how fantastic is that?

This is one of her first books and it is filled with some wonderful Christmas projects.  I especially love the idea of the "wall bags" - a great alternative to the traditional Christmas stocking.

I have to admit that I did pre-order two of her new books, and cannot wait for them to be published and in the post to me, but in the interim I did go back to the Book Depository store and ordered a couple more of her books for Christmas gifts.  I wonder if this is can be counted in the "handmade" gifts category?

Moving on - does anyone else loose items in their craft room, or are you all terribly organised and everything has a place?  I have a habit of buying supplies and then putting them somewhere (logical) for ease of access.  Unfortunately it may be many months until I need to use it, and then the "logical" place has gone into hiding.  I try and sort supplies into groupings, but because I work on a great variety of projects, it can sometimes get overwhelming (and I must admit I am a bower bird).  I have (wasted) spent a couple of hours this evening searching for my container which holds my zips, I was planning to sew some little budget envelopes.  I had chosen  the fabric and lining, and then when I went looking for the zips, they were no-where to be found, frustrating is the mildest work I can think of to use. 

Therefore no sewing this evening, and a shopping trip planned for tomorrow - I suppose that will not be too bad.

Till then

Judy

New products for the web store kept me busy

I have been busy today, adding new products to my web store.  I received some wonderful patterns from Amy Bradley Designs in the USA.  She is well known for the "Quilt Diva" trademark.
Two of her new patterns are "Fabric Addict Doll" and "Fabric Addict Wall Hanging", they are so cute ... when will I have time to try them out?

Do you agree?  Are these cute or what?  Time oh time, where can I purchase some more of this valuable resource? 

I did make some pin cushions for gifts, however they are very light in colour, so they do not photograph very well. I will try again tomorrow in the sunlight, if we have any.  Today it was a very cloudy, cold 10 degrees... good day to be on the computer.

Have a great weekend

 

Farewell July, Welcome August

Another month has quickly passed me by this year, although I must admit I am glad to see the end of July.  I would be even happier if I could say goodbye to this dreaded "cold" that has been my constant companion for the last 10 days.  It has left me feeling very lethargic, and has squashed any creative vibes in my body.

Today I have the options of :

• Updating my neglected blog
• Surfing the web for inspiration
• Sending out a store newsletter
• Household chores, particulary 'IRONING'

Well as you can see, as the first option, I had to go with updating my blog.  Just to let you know that I was still alive (just) and kicking.  Hopefully there will more interesting news to talk about as the week goes by...

Wonder what Judith's challenge will be for August in the "Early Bird" challenge.  Did you check out the July winners?  I loved the "Dresdon Plate Clock".  Congratulations to all the winners. 

No Craft Weekend

Unfortunately I did not get around to doing any craft this weekend.  Sick family members to care for, shopping trip in near by Griffith, and household chores.

Although one of my sisters did drop off a big garbage bag of fabric offcuts.  (Thanks, Sue) These were all from a furnishing store, so there are some absolutely gorgeous textured pieces in the collection.  Drooled for a little while, before sorting into colours and putting away.  I can foresee some lovely victorian style pin cushions in a couple of the pieces.  I also put some other pieces to one side to make a christmas bell pull, now all I need is the time.

Some of my rose bushes were pruned, but there are still more to be tackled.  The weather was great to be outside in the garden, not too cold, and the garden needs some tender loving care this time of the year.

Fingers crossed, some photos of finished items later in the week.

Have a great week
Judy

As planned!

It is not often that when I plan to do something on a particular day, it happens.  But today it did!
I spent the morning in the studio and then had time for a walk and household chores this afternoon. 
A Great Day! 
 
I made two hanging handtowels based on the instructions found here.  I changed it a little bit, by using my towel doubled for added volume.  I also surprised myself with how easy it was to make a buttonhole.  My Janome sewing machine is about 10 years old, and I was sure it had an automatic buttonhole function.  Found the book, and yes, there it was, and how simple to use.  (reminder to self, to find more projects using buttonholes).

Then as planned I made three bookmarks.  I will definitely be making more, as most of my family are avid readers, so this will be a gift that will be well received.  These are a good way to use up scraps, and I think a scrappy one is worth a try.  Hopefully they will not be too bulky to turn out and use.  These bookmarks were based on instructions found here

Now off to email Judith from Creative Studio to update my Early Bird Christmas Gift total.  What next, I hear you ask?  Well, I have been thinking of making some backpacks for my nieces and nephews?

Till next time

Judy

Easy Folder From A Placemat

This is what I made today. I cannot take the credit for it, as I found the idea on someone else's blog, but I am sorry I cannot remember where.  I have searched, but cannot find it, so if this idea belongs to you, please let me know so that I can give you the credit.

 
It is a handy folder made from a place mat, into which you sew various sized zip lock bags.  I finished mine off with a button, but you could just use ribbon ties.

I made this so that I can put all my little buttons, seed beads, embroidery thread and other important little accessories in it when I go to workshops. There is also one bag big enough to store your pattern as well. This will mean I can keep everything together in one folder in separate compartments.  Very quick and easy to make, not to mention very inexpensive.

My sister has requested one to put all her card making paraphernalia into, so I think it could be used for many purposes.

My list for tomorrow includes:

• Fabric bookmarks
• Hanging handtowels

Once finished these will be added to my Early Bird Christmas Gift box.

Xmas In July Crafting

More Christmas in July Crafting ... both made from felt. Two cute reindeer and one very warm snowman in his adorable red jumper.

 

The smaller reindeer and the snowman's nose have been made out of sculpty clay. This is the first time I have used this clay and I am really happy about the results.

I really should be organising kits for a Christmas in July workshop, but my computer was calling. Store to update, emails to reply to, invoices and labels to print, and many other tasks that the computer can do....not to mention checking out all the interesting blogs and other sites.

Hope you have a productive crafty weekend, myself included

Judy